Plot Summary

The story follows Will Henry (Jemaine Clement), a graphic novelist and art teacher, who is struggling to piece his life together after discovering his long-term partner, Charlie (Stephanie Allynne), cheating on him at their twin daughters’ birthday party. A year after the breakup, Will is still coping with the loneliness and challenges of being a single dad to his twin daughters, Clio and Colette (played charmingly by Aundrea and Gia Gadsby), while also dealing with a stalled career and romantic life.

Will's life takes an interesting turn when one of his students, Kat (Jessica Williams), introduces him to her mother, Diane (Regina Hall). As Will and Diane's relationship tentatively begins, the film takes us through Will’s emotional ups and downs as he tries to balance being a present father, a creative professional, and someone worthy of love again.

Characters & Performances

  • Jemaine Clement as Will Henry: Clement brings a refreshing and understated comedic charm to Will. His dry humor, combined with his vulnerability, makes Will a relatable and likable character. He portrays a man who is clearly lost, yet determined to do right by his daughters. Clement’s performance carries the movie with a perfect mix of awkwardness, sincerity, and humor.

  • Regina Hall as Diane: Regina Hall plays the role of a college professor and potential love interest for Will. Her performance is subtle yet impactful. She brings an air of maturity and grounding to the film, contrasting nicely with Will’s indecision and disorganized life. Hall's chemistry with Clement feels organic, and her character adds a sense of stability to the narrative.

  • Stephanie Allynne as Charlie: While Charlie’s character could have been reduced to a simple antagonist, Allynne brings complexity to the role. Her portrayal shows Charlie’s frustration with Will’s lack of ambition and direction, giving depth to their broken relationship. She’s not just the "villain" of the story but someone with her own desires and motivations.

  • Jessica Williams as Kat: Jessica Williams provides much-needed comedic relief as one of Will’s students. Her sharp wit and effortless charm light up the screen whenever she appears. Her character serves as a catalyst for Will's budding romance with Diane, but also adds her own storyline of navigating through college and family life.

Themes & Analysis

People Places Things touches on several universal themes: heartbreak, parenthood, artistic ambition, and the search for love and meaning. At its core, it’s a film about relationships—how they form, fall apart, and sometimes rebuild. Strouse takes these themes and presents them in a humorous yet deeply human way, making the audience reflect on their own experiences with love and loss.

  1. Parenthood: The film shines a spotlight on single fatherhood, a perspective not often centered in romantic comedies. Will’s relationship with his twin daughters is central to the film’s heart. Their playful interactions and his moments of vulnerability with them create some of the film’s most touching scenes.

  2. Love & Redemption: As Will navigates through his new romantic life, the film subtly explores how love can be a healing force. Diane becomes not just a love interest but a symbol of maturity and the possibility of rebuilding after a failed relationship.

  3. Art & Expression: Will’s profession as a graphic novelist is used metaphorically to depict his emotional journey. Throughout the film, Will’s sketches and creative process act as an extension of his internal world, expressing what he struggles to say or do in real life. His graphic novel serves as a reflection of his personal growth and evolving understanding of love, family, and self-worth.

Direction & Cinematography

James C. Strouse’s direction is simple yet effective. He creates a film that feels intimate, with much of the story taking place in domestic or everyday settings—a school, a home, a park. The film’s naturalistic cinematography mirrors the grounded nature of the story. There are no dramatic flourishes or exaggerated moments, just a quiet exploration of life’s complications. The camera work complements the film's indie aesthetic, capturing the quiet moments of connection and the awkwardness of real-life encounters.

Humor & Tone

The humor in People Places Things is dry, witty, and understated, largely driven by Clement’s performance. It’s not the kind of film that will have you rolling with laughter, but it will make you smile consistently with its clever dialogue and authentic character interactions. There’s a certain charm in the film’s awkwardness, and it never tries too hard to be funny. The balance between humor and melancholy is expertly maintained, ensuring the film feels both light and emotionally resonant.

Final Thoughts

People Places Things is a charming and heartfelt film that beautifully captures the messiness of life after a breakup. It’s a film that finds beauty in the mundane—whether that’s in the struggles of co-parenting, the awkwardness of dating, or the pursuit of creative fulfillment. Jemaine Clement delivers a wonderfully nuanced performance that elevates the film beyond a typical indie romantic comedy. His portrayal of Will is at once endearing, humorous, and deeply human.

While the film’s pacing may feel slow to some, and its narrative might not break new ground, its strength lies in its authenticity. It doesn’t rely on grand gestures or overly dramatic plot points but instead focuses on the small moments that define our everyday lives