If you’re interested in a movie that blends scary moments with important themes, ‘Humane’ might just be worth checking out. Humane is a 2024 horror thriller directed by Caitlin Cronenberg, with Michael Sparaga handling the writing and production. Featuring a talented cast that includes Jay Baruchel, Emily Hampshire, and Peter Gallagher, this is Caitlin Cronenberg’s debut feature film, released on April 26, 2024. Humane movie reviews reflect that the film mixes horror, thriller, and family drama to explore the urgent topic of the climate crisis.
Looking for insights on Humane? Our review gives you a clear look at Caitlin Cronenberg’s first film. While it might not be a game-changer, it mixes comedy with dark themes in an interesting way. Our Humane movie reviews will help you decide if ‘Humane’ is worth watching by covering what’s good and what’s not. Check them out to see if this film is right for you.
Humane: The Hollywood Reporter Review Highlights
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Humane keeps the story tense with Cronenberg’s skillful pacing. After Charles reveals his plans, D.O.C.S. representative Bob, played by Enrico Colantoni, arrives to start the process. The plot stalls when Dawn disappears, causing confusion and raising questions. With D.O.C.S. needing two bodies, the siblings must choose who will die while D.O.C.S. takes Rachel’s daughter Mia hostage, adding urgency.
The film provides some satisfaction in watching the wealthy face consequences, thanks to strong performances and the house’s eerie setting. Jay Baruchel and Emily Hampshire stand out, while Chacon adds depth as Noah. However, the film leaves some unanswered questions about the roles of women of color and the characters’ backgrounds.
Inside Humane: Tense Moments and Key Takeaways
As per the Humane review from PointofReviews:
The Cronenberg Family Legacy
David Cronenberg, known for his influential body horror films like The Fly and Crimes of the Future, is premiering his new movie, The Shrouds, at Cannes. It’s about a device that talks to the dead and is partly inspired by his own life. His son, Brandon Cronenberg, has gained attention with movies like Possessor, but his latest film, Infinity Pool, didn’t do as well. Now, Caitlin Cronenberg, Brandon’s younger sister and a famous photographer known for shooting Drake’s album cover, is making her debut as a filmmaker with her own unique visual style.
A Different Kind of Cronenberg
Humane is not your typical Cronenberg film. Caitlin Cronenberg describes it as “comedy gore.” It was shown for the second time in Calgary, where Caitlin was present. With little prior knowledge beyond its Cronenberg connection, the film turned out to be quite surprising. Caitlin is creating her own unique style, distinct from the traditional Cronenberg approach. The screenplay, written by Caitlin’s longtime friend Michael Sparaga, went through many drafts. Caitlin admitted that earlier versions were not great. To balance the film’s tone, they included what Caitlin calls “darkness passes,” which ensures the film remains comedic while retaining some of the darker elements associated with Cronenberg’s work.
Plot Twist: A Quick Look
Humane is set in a near-future world dealing with overpopulation. People are asked to “enlist,” which means giving up their lives for money that will go to their families. This is needed because of a crumbling environment and infrastructure. While the film’s social messages about environmental impact and privilege are quite direct, they provide a backdrop for the story. The film shifts from these heavy themes in the first act to focus on a family deciding who will enlist in the later acts. Set in a creepy manor similar to Knives Out, the film unfolds in unexpected and engaging ways.
Visual Style and Acting
Caitlin’s photography background is clear in the film’s visuals. Humane is well-lit and well-framed, with a reliable visual style. Caitlin admitted that she feels more at ease setting up shots than directing actors, especially with dialogue, but the talented cast helps with this. Jay Baruchel, a Canadian star, leads the cast, which also features Emily Hampshire from Schitt’s Creek and standout Enrico Colantoni. Colantoni, who plays Bob, shines in every scene and delivers one of the best comedic performances of the year.
Tense and Fast-Paced Humane Review Highlights
Based on the review from The New York Times, Humane, Caitlin Cronenberg’s debut film, quickly builds a tense world with high stakes. Although it overlooks some logical gaps, the fast pace keeps it engaging.
The screenplay by Michael Sparaga shows a society on the brink, reflecting current debates. The film shifts to a wealthy family’s dinner party, led by Charles (Peter Gallagher) and Dawn (Uni Park), where their four children—Jared (Jay Baruchel), Rachel (Emily Hampshire), Noah (Sebastian Chacon), and Ashley (Alanna Bale)—discover unexpected surprises.
While the first part of the film is strong, it becomes less engaging as it progresses. Chacon’s performance is notable, but other characters feel underdeveloped. Despite this, Humane is thought-provoking and leaves a lasting impression with its unsettling ideas.
Final Thoughts!
Check out the Humane movie 2024 reviews we’ve shared above to decide if this film is worth your time. While it might not be a game-changer, it’s an impressive debut that’s worth considering. Caitlin Cronenberg’s debut shows she has a talent for visual storytelling. Hopefully, she will keep taking risks and pushing boundaries in her future films. If Humane is anything to go by, Caitlin is a promising new talent in the Cronenberg family.