After delighting us with one of the year’s funniest films, What We Do in the Shadows, earlier this year, Jemaine Clement returns this summer with another Sundance feature. Staying in the comedy vein but heading down a more dramatic path, People, Places, Things follows him as a single father in New York City who must juggle the responsibilities in his life. Ahead of a release in August, the first trailer has now arrived.
We were fans of it, saying in our review, “Jim Strouse has a built a career on small, personal stories, and this film is no different. The stand-out here is Clement, who gives his strongest performance to date. He shines in a lead role that plays to his charming intellect and quirky humor, playing Will as somewhat stunted but extremely endearing. The brunt of the conflict sits on Allynne’s shoulders as Charlie, a confused stay-at-home mom who wants to be happy the way she used to be happy. Will’s artwork (including an extended opening credits sequence) does a lot to underline the film’s themes, which all revolve around feeling stuck in between phases of life. It’s nice touch to be sure, if leaned on a bit too much.”
Also starring Regina Hall, Jessica Williams, Stephanie Allynne, Michael Chernus, Aundrea Gadsby, and Gia Gadsby, check out the trailer and poster below.
Will Henry (Jemaine Clement) is a graphic novelist and professor in NYC. At his adorable twin girls’ fifth birthday party, Will’s life is turned upside down when he walks in on the mother of his children and longtime girlfriend, Charlie (Stephanie Allynne), with their friend Gary (Michael Chernus). One year later, Will is still alone and trying to put his life back together. He finds unexpected challenges when his talented student Kat (Jessica Williams) tries to set Will up with her accomplished mother Diane (Regina Hall). In this thoughtful comedy, Will is forced to navigate the unknown landscape of single fatherhood and dating in New York City, while remaining an inspiration for his students and coming to terms with himself both as a father as an artist.
People, Places, Things opens on August 14th.