Other People

Didn't have high hopes since this film was available on iTunes before or at the same time as it was in theaters (was it even IN theaters?) but holy heck this was GOOD.

Shannon and Plemmons performances are amazing. Both so convincing in their respective role. Plemmons plays the insecure, unsure, chubby gay man perfectly. And Molly Shannon, who is rarely called upon for nuance, delivers her role as a cancer-stricken woman with such realistic subtlety that you'd be hard-pressed to say she'd never gone through it herself.

Is the concept maudlin? I suppose. It's not new ground, but it's a completely unique take on the situation with a subtext and performances that propel it to greatness. The opening scene is sad, but the end of the film is so much more sad. I can't say more without posting a spoiler, but when you see it you'll realize it's a testament to the directorial approach, script and performances.

With regard to performances, this film probably doesn't have the promotional machine behind it to ever be considered for awards, but if all things were equal and films were judged solely on themselves, I think both Plemmons and Shannon would be recognized for their exceptional performances.

Definitely worth the rental price. And I'm sure it will be free to view soon on some streaming site. Settle in and watch this fabulous, nuance-filled film.