There are moments in life where you don’t even think about the relationship you have with your partner anymore, you kind of take it for granted. The other is there for you and you know what you can expect from the other, but there is always that danger that you don’t appreciate them enough anymore or don’t take the time to give them the attention they deserve. You could slowly grow apart until you both have begun living you own lives instead of one together. In People, Places, Things it has come to that, something which Will Henry (Jemaine Clement) realises too late.
During the fifth birthday of his twin daughters he finds out that his wife Charlie (Stephanie Allynne) is seeing Gary (Michael Chernus). The two split up and Gary only sees his children during the weekend. He wants to see them more often, but he doubts whether he’s a good enough father. He tries hard and is able to just make ends meet as a teacher. Suddenly his ex Charlie shows up at his door, asking him to take care of the girls fulltime. Unprepared that turns out to be a huge challenge and he is forced to make decisions which might not be best.
Because Gary is a graphical artist and you see his art from the start of the movie, you immediately get the feeling that you are watching an indie movie (which isn’t a bad thing at all). It also means that it has a specific kind of humour, which often is more subtle. So there aren’t a lot of laugh out loud moments, but it is an entertaining “slice of life” film. Jemaine Clement is good in his role and when his character meets single mom Diane (Regina Hall) the interaction between the two is very convincing and realistic. It’s the kind of relationship you would expect from people in their 40s, an age at which you are clear towards each other.
People, Places, Things might not be a must see film, but manages to show in a fun way which issues a single father might face, like raising the kids, dealing with his ex and new boyfriend, lingering feelings and starting a new relationship.
