You People Review
Los Angeles-based film delivers conflicting messages about race
You People failed to impress audiences with its poorly-delivered and out-of-touch commentary on racism and antisemitism.
The star-studded movie is a social critique and romantic comedy that elicits uncomfortable chuckles at the insensitivity of white people as they interact with aspects of Black culture. But the few laughs did not compensate for the lackluster plot, as the film banked on its cast to make it a hit.
The movie follows Ezra (Jonah Hill) and Amira’s (Lauren London) interracial and interreligious relationship as they introduce each other to their families. Amira’s father Akbar (Eddie Murphy) spearheads an anti-Ezra campaign in his Black Muslim family, while Ezra’s white Jewish mother, Shelley (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), acts racially insensitive every time she interacts with her future daughter-in-law.
Particularly convincing scenes by London exploring the white caricaturization of Black culture are emotional and powerful. However, scenes contrary to this message pervaded the film, like a scene in which Shelley accidentally rips someone’s wig off their head–making the butt of the joke the cultural significance of Black womens’ hair.
Thus, a conflicting feeling settles within viewers throughout the film. It overtly delivers a powerful message about interracial relationships, but relies too heavily on stereotypes, evoking uneasiness and dismay.
The little effort or care given to the plot, message and delivery made the movie a disappointing use of an A-list cast. Rather than the touching and humorous commentary it could have been, You People is little more than a phoned-in plot and big names.