I see this new release is already getting some heat but the themes covered in the film are timely. This new-age romance comedy explores cultural and religious biases head-on with unfiltered, raw realism that's balanced with some humour. What's more, it showcases an ensemble cast.
I was impressed when I saw Jonah Hill (he also co-wrote the script with Kenya Barris), Eddie Murphy, Nia Long, Lauren London, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus on the film poster. These fine and talented actors cannot come together without putting on an amazing show. I was not disappointed.
You People (2023) is an American rom-com that is focused on interracial and interfaith relationships and marriage. A young Jewish investment banker, Ezra (played by Jonah Hill) meets Amira (played by Lauren London), a Moslem fashion designer when he enters her car, mistaking her for an Uber driver.
Thereafter they went on some dates and fell in love. Ezra commits to taking their relationship further by meeting Amira's parents so he can ask for their permission to marry their daughter. This young couple expects their parents to be as open-minded as they are. It did not turn out that way.
*[Source: YouTube](https://youtu.be/pCMHc-IFAB0)*Amira’s parents, particularly her father, Akbar (played by Eddie Murphy), are openly hostile to Ezra. They brought up the history of black culture and matters of racism, making their meeting with Ezra very awkward.
Amira on the other hand is patronised and treated like a doll by Ezra's family, especially the mother (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) as she attempts to be woke but it leads to awkwardness. Yet the couple stayed together. In their bid to push their way to the altar, the situation worsens. Can their love survive racial stereotypes, religion and bigotry?
Review
I respect the messages Jonah Hill and director Kenya Barris are trying to pass across to their audience through this film. The plot is brilliant and the cast is great. Biracial relationships and culture-related topics are usually trending all over social media but watching them in a film is another thing. These issues are sometimes difficult for people to confront or talk about.
In this film, viewers would see the world through the perspectives of both the white and black people and also the Jewish and Moslem. But it raises a vital question: can these sects co-exist and thrive together?
This is also a good watch for people who are not directly impacted by these disparities. It's an eye-opener for everyone. Apart from the themes of race and religion, there's also a focus on relationships, social norms and the unity of families.
As earlier said, the cast is great. Jonah Hill was amazing as an open-minded, Jewish podcaster willing to push through all obstacles, no matter how socially awkward, to get his girl. Lauren London was fantastic as a modern Moslem lady who believes in getting what she worked hard for. But the chemistry between these actors was dull. If it wasn't, I'm sure they would have set this film on fire.
Eddie Murphy effectively portrayed the role of a rigid, obstinate father who was difficult to persuade in the film. And Nia Long was great in her supporting role. Not much was demanded of her.
Although towards the end, I was not impressed with the way the plot was quickly resolved. Maybe due to the viewing time because this film is about two hours yet I felt the end was not properly tied up. The filmmakers could have done better to give the film an outstanding finish.
All the same, I'll say Jonah Hill and Kenya Barris did a great job highlighting social diversities and generational differences. Race and its related complexities are issues we are faced with every day. They affect every sphere of our world and a film which addresses these issues unreservedly should be watched and the makers commended.
I'll recommend this film to everyone. Note that it's rated R for language, some sexual material and drug content.
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Other images are screenshots from the movie
