Is Certain People Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Certain People is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 106 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Certain People Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2012, Certain People emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A small group of friends are gathered at Katinka's summer house to celebrate her birthday. Unlike standard genre fare, Certain People attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Levan Akin, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Drama elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Certain People features a noteworthy lineup led by Mia Mountain. Supported by the likes of Ludde Hagberg and Anitha Flink, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Mia Mountain, Ludde Hagberg, Anitha Flink manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2012 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Drama, Comedy space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Certain People is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Certain People follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 106 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Certain People resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Drama landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 3.4/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Certain People is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the complexity of relationships. A small group of friends are gathered at Katinka's summer house to celebrate her birthday. The guests are all in their thirties, upper class, art world, liberal humanitarian bohemians. They sit on the floor smoking amongst books, antiques and modern art. The party sets off on a high note, when suddenly during dinner, two new guests arrive. Linda, a blonde game show hostess, is unexpectedly brought to the party by Katinka's brother. Linda is greeted warmly at first, her brusque and liberated manners are entertaining and fresh. But during the course of the evening Linda stretches the groups invisible social rules of hospitality. Contempt starts to grow, thus unfolding the groups hidden prejudices.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Certain People (2012) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 3.4/10 and strong performance metrics in the Drama, Comedy categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Mia Mountain, Ludde Hagberg, Anitha Flink or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Certain People is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2012. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Where to Watch Certain People Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Draken Films🎟️ Rent on
SF AnytimeParents Guide & Age Rating
Certain People has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 3.4/10, and global collection metrics, Certain People stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2012 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Certain People movie hit or flop?
Certain People is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3.4/10 and lower collections.
Is Certain People worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 3.4/10, Certain People may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Certain People online?
Certain People is currently available for streaming on Draken Films. You can also check for it on platforms like Draken Films depending on your region.
Explore More Verdicts
Synopsis
A small group of friends are gathered at Katinka's summer house to celebrate her birthday. The guests are all in their thirties, upper class, art world, liberal humanitarian bohemians. They sit on the floor smoking amongst books, antiques and modern art. The party sets off on a high note, when suddenly during dinner, two new guests arrive. Linda, a blonde game show hostess, is unexpectedly brought to the party by Katinka's brother. Linda is greeted warmly at first, her brusque and liberated manners are entertaining and fresh. But during the course of the evening Linda stretches the groups invisible social rules of hospitality. Contempt starts to grow, thus unfolding the groups hidden prejudices.