People Like Us

Year: 2012

Runtime: 114 min

Language: English

Director: Alex Kurtzman

Budget: $16M

Drama

A charismatic salesman's life takes an unexpected turn with the sudden death of his father. Returning home, he discovers a long-held family secret: he has a 30-year-old sister he never knew. Forced to confront this revelation, Sam must navigate the complexities of a newfound sibling and re-examine his understanding of his family and his own identity.

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Timeline & Setting – People Like Us (2012)

Explore the full timeline and setting of People Like Us (2012). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Location

New York City, Los Angeles

The story unfolds across two American cities: New York City, where Sam works in a high-pressure trading environment, and Los Angeles, where the family drama comes to a head. NYC provides the backdrop of corporate ambition and legal scrutiny, while LA marks the ground where Frankie, Josh, and Sam confront their intertwined past. The contrast between the two coasts highlights the film's shift from a career-focused life to a life centered on family.

🌆 City life 💼 Corporate world 🏙️ Urban drama

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:50

Main Characters – People Like Us (2012)

Meet the key characters of People Like Us (2012), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:50

Major Themes – People Like Us (2012)

Explore the central themes of People Like Us (2012), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:50

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about Family Secrets like People Like Us

Stories where a long-held family revelation forces a re-examination of identity.If you enjoyed the emotional reveal of a hidden sibling in People Like Us, you'll find similar stories here. These films explore the impact of long-buried family truths, from unknown relatives to parental deceptions, often leading to journeys of identity and forgiveness. They share a focus on character-driven drama and the bittersweet process of mending broken relationships.

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Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread typically begin with a catalyst—often a death or a found object—that unearths a hidden truth about a character's family. The protagonist must then grapple with this new reality, navigating initial shock, anger, and confusion. The story arc involves seeking out the truth, confronting those involved, and slowly moving toward a resolution that may not erase the past but offers a path forward, often with a mix of sadness and hope.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a core narrative engine: the dramatic unveiling of a family secret. They consistently deliver a medium to heavy emotional weight, a bittersweet or melancholic tone, and a steady, character-focused pacing. The primary appeal is the deeply human exploration of how we redefine family and self in the face of shocking truths.

Character-Driven Reconciliation Stories like People Like Us

Character-driven stories about the difficult, hopeful road to mending broken relationships.Fans of the steady, heartfelt journey toward forgiveness in People Like Us will appreciate these films. They focus on the emotional work of rebuilding trust and connection after a rift, whether between family members, friends, or partners. If you like movies that prioritize authentic character development over fast-paced action, this thread is for you.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves characters who are estranged due to past mistakes, grief, or deception being thrust back into each other's lives. The plot unfolds through conversations, shared experiences, and small moments of understanding rather than major events. The emotional journey is paramount, charting a course from initial resistance and pain to gradual acceptance and a hard-worn, believable reconciliation.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their shared focus on the emotional arc of reconciliation. They possess a similar bittersweet tone, a steady and deliberate pacing that allows character emotions to breathe, and a medium emotional weight that feels impactful without being overwhelming. The endings are typically hopeful, providing a sense of earned closure and healing.

Unlock the Full Story of People Like Us

Don't stop at just watching — explore People Like Us in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what People Like Us is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

People Like Us Summary

Read a complete plot summary of People Like Us, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

People Like Us Timeline

Track the full timeline of People Like Us with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

People Like Us Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About People Like Us

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about People Like Us: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to People Like Us

Discover movies like People Like Us that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.