The Humans
Performance & Direction: The Humans Review
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Humans (2021) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Humans features a noteworthy lineup led by Richard Jenkins . Supported by the likes of Jayne Houdyshell and Amy Schumer , 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.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: The Humans
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2021, The Humans is a Drama film directed by Stephen Karam. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Richard Jenkins.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Erik Blake has gathered three generations of his Pennsylvania family to celebrate Thanksgiving at his daughter’s apartment in lower Manhattan. As darkness falls outside and eerie things start to go bump in the night, the group’s deepest fears are laid bare. The screenplay takes time to develop Richard Jenkins's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Richard Jenkins's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: The Humans
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Stephen Karam, The Humans concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Richard Jenkins, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Humans reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Humans?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Richard Jenkins or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Top Cast: The Humans
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Humans Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
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Amazon VideoThe Humans Parents Guide & Age Rating
2021 AdvisoryWondering about The Humans age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Humans is 106 minutes (1h 46m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.1/10, and global performance metrics, The Humans is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2021 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Humans worth watching?
The Humans is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.1/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Humans parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Humans identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Humans?
The total duration of The Humans is 106 minutes, which is approximately 1h 46m long.
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
