Those People

Those People, directed by Joey Kuhn in 2015, is a riveting drama that fuses elements of romance and deep emotional challenges. This film acts as an enthralling exploration of human emotions, romantic complications, and the ties that bind the wealthiest to the world. It settles in the plush, well-upholstered spheres of the New York City elite while presenting a captivating tale of friendship, self-discovery, and love.

The cast performs admirably with Jonathan Gordon leading the pack as Charlie, a young, gifted art student coping with the conflicting attractions that impact his heart and his future. Jason Ralph shines as Sebastian, Charlie’s best friend from childhood and the son of a disgraced financier. Haaz Sleiman plays Tim, a charismatic and caring pianist who entwines himself into Charlie's complex world.

Those People kickstarts in Manhattan's sophisticated but troubled Upper East Side circles, a world steeped in privilege, where Charlie finds himself torn between his longtime affection for Sebastian and his emerging feelings for someone new, Tim. The film encapsulates the all-encompassing nature of young love, compounded by the tumultuous journey of understanding one's sexuality, all set against the dizzying backdrop of New York City’s high-society life.

Charlie’s bias for Sebastian, even when met with indifference, shows the complexity of emotional ties that often defy logic and reason. On the other hand, Tim is an energy of unwavering emotional stability and openness in contrast to Sebastian’s unpredictability. These layers in the relationship dynamics are portrayed with impressive finesse, offering a refreshing glimpse into the characters' internal struggles, the power of their past, and the uncertainty of their future.

Each character dives head-first into a whirlpool of questioning identities, personal feelings, and confronting truths, revealing their deepest vulnerabilities. The strains induced by family scandals, romantic triangles, and societal expectations are palpable and serve to further complicate their relationships. All these themes paint a compelling and realistic portrayal of the emotional turmoil experienced by these characters.

The film's visual aesthetics beautifully complement the storyline. The architectural grandeur of Manhattan, the stunning skyline views, and the refined, almost regal interior design of the homes, all contribute to creating an atmospheric mood that mirrors the characters’ lives and dilemmas. The color palette utilized hints at glamour yet is underscored by a sense of melancholy - a reflection of the characters' overall ambience.

The score, performed by an exquisite orchestral ensemble, provides an emotional resonance that seeps into the narrative. The soft piano notes interspersed with dramatic crescendos perfectly echo the characters' emotional turmoil and moments of bliss and euphoria. The attention to these tiny, nuanced details in terms of visual aesthetics and audio accompaniment sands down the complexity of relationships into a perceivable, relatable story.

Director Joey Kuhn's feature debut is a love letter to the power of unrequited love and the pain of coming of age set in one of the world’s most glittering, yet isolating cities. Kuhn's handling of such emotionally charged subjects is sensitive and insightful, capturing the characters’ bare hearts through intimate, thought-provoking dialogue.

Those People is not just a coming-of-age film; rather, it is a vivid exploration of intricate relationships, unrequited love, and the struggle towards self-realization. It beautifully navigates the steep and often rocky terrain of the emotional experiences of its complex and layered characters, making it a memorable addition to the domain of “dramance" (drama/romance). It is a film that compels the viewer to think about self-discovery, complicated friendships, the uncertainty of love, and the pressure of societal and familial expectations, all of which make it an engaging and relatable watch. From the first frame to the last, the movie is a seamless blend of tumultuous emotions, tight-knit friendships, and the harsh realities of adulthood.