OTHER PEOPLE
Coincidentally the first film I ever saw at Sundance was also potentially the best one. OTHER PEOPLE (2016) (trailer here) is an incredibly moving comedy-drama based on writer/director Chris Kelly’s relationship with his own mother. I’ll never forget sitting in that frigid Park City auditorium, snacking on the banana bread I bought in the ticket line that had been sitting in my pocket all day, weeping and cackling in equal measure. OTHER PEOPLE's blend of deeply human storytelling and first-class comedy is exactly what I’ve come to associate with Sundance. The film follows David (Jesse Plemons), a struggling comedy writer who returns home to Sacramento to take care of his mother, Joanne (Molly Shannon) who’s been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. The film takes place over the course of a year, as David manages his struggling relationship and less-than-promising career prospects, all while coping with Joanne’s deteriorating health and confronting his strained relationship with his dad (Bradley Whitford). If that sounds like a downer…well, it sort of is! But it’s beautifully balanced with a stellar comedic supporting cast, including John Early, Zach Woods, Maude Apatow, Retta, June Squibb, and absolute scene-stealer Josie Totah. Couple that with one of the best uses of a Train song I’ve ever heard in a film and you have a winner. Literally!— Molly Shannon won the 2017 Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Actress for her heart-wrenching performance as Joanne, a testament to just how damn good OTHER PEOPLE really is. Stream it now on Netflix.
—Neal Mulani, Development Assistant
