It is a new suffering from collapse that causes a comedian to return to his hometown to care for his deceased mother. This writer must have unfamiliar experiences to overcome the tragedy.
Cancer and coming out aren't exactly fresh topics for an indie film, but here they have the authenticity of lived experience, and both Shannon and Plemons are exceptional.
Other People is gentle, heartfelt, and of a delicate build. Kelly's best observations are small but true: the touching banality of a bad pop song, and that "other people" is in fact most people, if you're paying attention.
Inherently melodramatic, the film belongs to Ms. Shannon, who vividly etches Joanne in a full end-of-life range: funny, loving, angry, regretful, exhausted, resigned.
Poignancy is a difficult thing to achieve, since it can come off as inauthentic or dumb. "Other People" gets there because David, Norman and Joanne do not want our pity.
Emotions run deep and wide here; anyone who's ever lost a parent, longed for love and acceptance, or tried to find his or her true self should easily relate. It's a terrific film.
