People Places Things

People Places Things is a charming and heartwarming indie film that follows one man's journey through love, loss, and fatherhood. Written and directed by Jim Strouse, the film stars Jemaine Clement as Will Henry, a graphic novelist who finds himself struggling to balance the demands of his work with his responsibilities as a single father.

The film begins with Will's life falling apart - his wife Charlie (Stephanie Allynne) is leaving him for another man, and he's forced to move out of their family home and into a small apartment with their twin daughters, Clio and Colette (played by real-life twins Gia and Aundrea Gadsby). Will is clearly struggling to cope with the sudden changes in his life, and his relationship with his daughters is strained, to say the least.

Things begin to look up for Will when he meets Diane (Regina Hall), a smart and charming professor who teaches his daughter's creative writing class. Diane is the first woman to show any real interest in Will since his divorce, and they quickly hit it off. However, Will's ex-wife Charlie is dating a new man, Gary (Michael Chernus), and as they become more serious, Will realizes he may never get his family back together.

As Will navigates his newfound relationship with Diane, he also struggles to connect with his daughters and find success as a graphic novelist. He's working on a new book about a superhero who can only see the world in black and white, which parallels his own struggles with navigating his emotions and the complexities of adult relationships.

One of the highlights of People Places Things is the performances of the cast. Jemaine Clement is perfect in the role of Will, bringing a subtle humor and vulnerability to the character that makes him immediately likable. Regina Hall is equally impressive as Diane, imbuing her character with intelligence and warmth. But perhaps the real stars of the film are the young actresses who play Will's daughters - Gia and Aundrea Gadsby are absolutely adorable and do a great job of capturing the spirit of young children.

The film also benefits from Strouse's directing style, which is understated and intimate. The camera lingers on characters' faces, capturing the subtle emotions that often go unspoken. The film is shot in a muted color palette, which reflects the emotional state of the characters - everything seems a little bit grey and uncertain.

At its core, People Places Things is a story about the complexity of modern relationships. It's about the struggles of balancing career and family, the pain of lost love, and the joys of new beginnings. But despite the heavy subject matter, the film remains charming and funny throughout. There are plenty of genuinely funny moments (particularly those involving Will's clueless roommate and his painfully awkward attempts at dating) that balance out the more serious themes.

Overall, People Places Things is a delightful indie film that is sure to charm audiences with its wit, warmth, and relatable characters. It's a great showcase for the talents of Jemaine Clement, Regina Hall, and the young actresses who play Will's daughters. Fans of indie cinema or heartfelt romantic comedies will definitely want to check out this gem of a film.