Those People (2015) Reviews

• Those People... are really good.

  GoreWhoreAust2016-06-17

  As many fans of Queer cinema would know, the good ones are few and far between. Be it the reluctance of big studios to produce purely LGBTI content resulting in next-to-no- budget features in the Queer cinema genre or not, often the movies for us gay folk are pretty terrible - poor production standards, bad acting and cliché upon cliché upon cliché. Lately though, there has been some shining lights in this small genre. 'Henry Gamble's Birthday Party' is one and so is 'Those People'. Production standards here are very high, beautiful wide screen photography, particularly in low light night scenes; lush and appropriate music choices; and above average acting among a number of other merits. I stumbled across this gem on Apple TV and was immediately taken in by the seductive and moody trailer; and I wasn't disappointed - far from it. Some viewers might not like the lack of backstory here, as we are dropped into the lives of a clutch of arty and (mostly) wealthy young New Yorkers but slowly details are revealed, enough to really feel one among these characters at this pivotal time in their lives. There's plenty of tension and angst, and mercifully a lack of the usual queer cinema clichés. Questions (and loves) are left unanswered. I really don't won't to say too much about the story as it could spoil your immersion into the delicate world created here. Looking forward to seeing what this director and his leads show us next. Search this one out.

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• A good story on commitment

  cekadah2016-08-03

  Charlie and Sebastian are old friends. Sebastian is emotionally damaged. Charlie seems to have a life and is committed to his friendship with Sebastian. Sebastian has stalled emotionally while Charlie has continued to grow up. Charlie meets a new love interest and this causes a fracture in his friendship with Sebastian. Sebastian is very very needy of Charlie's friendship and Charlie does not want to hurt Sebastian by following through on his new found love relationship by having to totally leave Sebastian. The fact that each character is gay is not made into a factor with this story. It's just fact. The story is all about friendship, commitment, and the love of two friends - not two lovers. One friend is weak and confused, the other is strong and wants to get on with life but his conscience and friendship with poor Sebastian is a stumbling point with Charlie. The characters are wealthy and spoiled. Sebastian's needy personality will get on your nerves but the plot works and you begin to care about Charlie as he is a nice person who is dealing with issues that have a direct impact on his life and future.

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• Highly Recommended.

  lylecass2015-06-22

  I saw this film at the Frameline LGBT Film Festival in San Francisco on Saturday night. Great performances, heartbreaking story & very intense love triangle. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. Charlie (the handsome, Jonathan Gordon) is a budding artist who is hung up on his self-centered BFF, Sebastian (Jason Ralph). The feeling is not mutual. Sebastian's life is turned upside down after a scandal puts his father in jail. When Charlie meets a hot Lebanese concert pianist, older & more grounded than Sebastian there developing relationship starts to interfere with Charlie & Sebastian's long time friendship. The cast is outstanding but Jonathan Gordon is the star & is just about in every scene except when Sebastian meets his father in jail. It's a heartbreaking moment. Joey Kuhn's directorial debut is very impressive. Well done. Highly recommended.

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• Quite good!

  fil-nik092016-06-15

  How come this has only two reviews? And one is from last year, but the site here - it says the movie came out last month?! Anyway. The movie is quite good. I have not watched many gay movies, but those that I did watch were nothing like this. This one is totally normal movie, love story or a love triangle - whatever you choose. There are no gays who commit suicide because of the rejection of the others ( friends, family, close ones) nor there are gays who sleep with everyone around. There are no gays who are dying of aids or some related decease nor there are gays who are feminine / drag queens / over the top personalities. No, these gays are normal as any other ( str8) people. And I think that is the most appealing part of the story / movie. It i s a love story that could happen to anyone. A big plus for making a Lebanese guy gay ( now when muslims and homosexuality are ... ) All three guys from the triangle were believable. Their girl friends were kinda there for no particular reason that adds to the story. Straight friend is there just ... to look good :) And mother is a special one. Kinda cute that ( and of course a cliché ) two gays are artists ( what else can artist be but gay?! ( or mad?!) ) and one is rich spoiled one. But inspite of that ... Eight from me.

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• Very juvenile portrayal of "gay life"

  Gregburnscds2016-09-13

  While this film was a good effort, there were just far too many incomprehensible plot points and devices to make this a believable story. I can partially swallow a bunch of immature 26 year old gay boys not really understanding their emotions and as a result, being overly dramatic about EVERYTHING, but when you throw in a 40-year- old successful concert pianist who behaves like a child, that's where you lose me. Saying "I love you" after two weeks? No. Inserting yourself and revealing tempestuous details at very inappropriate times, is not only selfish but tactless. After one month of dating, saying to your boyfriend: "You're always going to choose him over me, aren't you?" when referring to a friendship he has had for more than 15 years, can easily be considered clinically insane. A valiant effort on the part of the director, but the story needs greater finessing, beyond inserting dramatic plot points and illogical characters for the sake of trying to create tension. It's not just that gay men don't behave this way, adults don't behave this way.

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