Netflix’s new romantic comedy film strays away from the recycled tropes to give us something fresh, and this You People review is here to tell you all about it. This movie stars Jonah Hill, Lauren London, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Eddie Murphy, Nia Long, and David Duchovny, alongside other cast members. It is directed by Kenya Barris, who also joins the film as a writer along with Jonah Hill. The two are also producers on the film, along with Kevin Misher.
Netflix’s description of the film reads:
jonah hill and lauren london fall in love in this edgy comedy starring eddie murphy, julia louis-dreyfus nia long and david duchovny as their parents
-You People Review Contains Spoilers-
There are many reasons why this film works. Still, one of the most important reasons it does is because it acknowledges socio-cultural differences in race but doesn’t let them become defining aspects for the characters in the film. Kenya Barris and Jonah Hill have crafted characters who break the traditional moulds expected of rom-com protagonists.
Hill’s character Ezra is a guy working in finance and doesn’t like it. His desire to settle down and find emotional intimacy is in direct contrast with what would be expected from a guy working a corporate job, especially in finance. Additionally, while his approach to appreciating Black culture may seem inappropriate to audiences who haven’t seen the film, it is a natural extension of the character.
London’s character Amira is a costume designer who is used to standing up for herself in situations, especially when it comes to her identity. She is self-sufficient and thinks of handouts as a privileged convenience that monopolizes opportunities. She is extremely comfortable in her skin and is open to new experiences and relationships, like interacting with Ezra’s mother.
The writing doesn’t shy away from making jokes that may seem controversial and accepts the difference in identities, mining it for discomfort at the expense of the protagonist, tension for the supporting character and humour for the audiences watching. Additionally, it understands the reality of the way friendships function, which includes having your own language, getting a pass to haze your friends lightly and calling them out on their biases without remorse.
However, it is not lost that Mo is a friend who has no storyline of her own and exists as an extension of her friend’s storyline. It is compensated by the way her personality is clearly defined, but it does leave audiences rooting for more from this character. Similarly, Amira’s brother Omar and Ezra’s sister Liza both had amazing potential as supporting characters. They could have contributed significantly to the plot.
But it is fascinating how the filmmakers were able to infuse so much personality into the characters through clothing, fashion and makeup. Amira was always well-dressed, Ezra has his own personalised style, and Liza wears thrifted clothing and recycled accessories, indicating the Gen Z approach to fashion. At the same time, Omar dresses like a normal millennial.
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Additionally, Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ character becomes a perfect example of over-compensation. Swinging the other way on the pendulum also becomes inappropriate and offensive. In fact, the entire time we see the parents gathering together, there is a subtle energy to one-up the other. It is a perfect example of the oppression Olympics we all play to pass the blame.
This affects the way the two protagonists think of the way their relationship functions and causes conflict, however, there is always an effort to resolve instead of pushing it way down, which is a beautiful way to depict a relationship dynamic. There is always a deep understanding that the two main characters have for each other. Moreover, Ezra’s confrontation with Akbar is perhaps one of the most impactful character decisions because, as someone who despises confrontation on all fronts, this one puts his affection for Amira in perspective.
You People Review: Final Thoughts
For all those who want a chill movie night with their friends, this is definitely a good choice. It is funny, not overtly romantic to scare away the alpha males and tied in with a wonderful message throughout. For people who wish to explore and understand platonic and romantic relationships in popular culture, this film is a wonderful study in that.
It is worth the two hours to watch this film. Especially since there is no overt display of affection, but completely conveys it through the comfort the two protagonists have with each other. Not to mention each actor acting in this is fabulous, including Lauren London and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who really take the cake in this film.
Their representations of women who want to be understood but go completely the other way are one of the main reasons this film has so much comedic material. You People is a great insight into the current social climate and human behaviours.
You People is available to stream on Netflix. Were you impressed with the way this film progressed? Let us know in the comments below.
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