Who Are You People

Was so surprised to find these complex characters in this very real dilemma. Acting was outstanding. It's a drama really firmly grounded not only by the performances but every level of direction from locations & costumes to music choices. It's nice to see human stories with no real agenda, no epic effects, just real emotion and carefully crafted story beats. There are so many unexpected moments in this film. There's real heart in every scene and so many layers to each of these characters. The exploration of the grey areas in life, the darkness most people avoid, the complexity of issues and relationships - all of it expertly told.

Ema Horvath (starring as Alex) delivers. I saw her in the Lord of the Rings Prequel, but she shines here in a complex role that goes on an emotional journey. Marge simpson as a force of nature act was unexpected. Alyssa Milano showed her range (can you believe how far she's come?)

Only watch this move if you are ready for an intense look at an incredibly "real" look into the complex world of childhood. There is no right way to come of age, but no one deserves Alex's path. Which creates an incredibly powerful journey following a young woman trying to find her way in a complex world. Amazing plot twist at the end. Wow.

This movie was almost perfect. For those who are upset that actors like Devon Sawa or Alyssa Milano have been able to demonstrate a different angle later in their careers, that seems unfortunate as it probably hindered the ability to appreciate a beautiful movie. Plot and relationships in the movie were well developed, nothing over the top, just a great watch.

Sure, we've all seen some variation of this story, much like every other movie that gets 9/10 in spite of being a spin off of any classic story ever told with better effects or bigger names. This movie has it all, excitement, tears, twists, struggle, triumph, and far from a predictable or intentionally mushy ending. Best I've seen in awhile.

Alex (Ema Horvath) is a rebellious disconnected 16 year old in Portland. She looks at a picture of her family and asks the title question. She has no friends at school and only one at a different school. After an inappropriate incident with her teacher, she finds a letter in her mother (Alyssa Milano)'s desk. Her father is not her biological father and she sets off to find her missing parent (Devon Sawa).

Most of the time, I complain about older actors playing teenagers. In this case, I don't mind Ema being in her late 20's. This movie is uncomfortable enough as it is. I put most of the awkwardness down to a clueless know-it-all teen lead character. It's not the fun coming-of-age film that it probably wants to be. It can't be due to the subject matter. The reveal is pretty obvious early on. At least, it's not a surprise to any alert viewer. There are a few needed changes. Mostly, it needs to darken the tone of the movie. Whether it's the music score or the few attempted jokes, this movie needs to clip those out. This is only going to work if it's dark.

Think about the force behind making a movie like this, you will be stunned by the spontanisity and spark in ema horwaths acting, she is just like those curly paper rolls that you throw at each other at new years eve , just a little spunk that spring out in all her glory...

im amazed by her appearance yes...

its really a kind of freaky film with so many turns and twists thrown out of the sleeve, and runs at such machspeed of shifting themes, about how a 16 year old takes matter in her own hands when her relationship with her father/parents becomes a bit awkward after her having a failed fling with her tutor/teacher

if your in for a good laugh, a big smile and every kind of emotional senses that exists out there have a go for ''who are you people'', a story thats when it comes to realism its like finding the golden needle in the golden haystack, so let the haystack of golden storywriting be the inspiration, it really made a grumpy old mans day. A recommend.