People Like Us

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.

Time period

Early 2010s

Set in the early 2010s, the film situates a fast-paced corporate world within a contemporary American cityscape. The era mirrors regulatory tensions and moral choices as Sam navigates crime, family secrets, and reconciliation. The cross-country journey from New York to Los Angeles mirrors the emotional voyage from estrangement to belonging.

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.

Sam Harper (Chris Pine)

A struggling corporate trader in New York City who faces a possible federal investigation and a boss's demand to bribe officials. His life spirals toward family when he learns about Frankie and Josh. He shifts from self-preservation to embracing responsibility, seeking forgiveness and a real connection with his sister and nephew.

💼 Ambition 🧭 Family ties 🌍 Cross-country

Hannah (Elizabeth Banks)

Sam's girlfriend who is initially disgusted when he intends to keep the money. She returns to New York, but reconciles with Sam later as he pursues his family commitments. She enrolls into UCLA law to stay close to him, signaling her own need for purpose beyond their relationship.

💼 Career-minded 💞 Relationship 🎓 Law school

Frankie Davis (Olivia Wilde)

Josh's mother, a recovering alcoholic and Jerry's illegitimate daughter. She fears Sam's involvement but gradually accepts him, especially after discovering Jerry's affection for both of them. She leaves her job, moves toward a suburban life with Josh, and finally accepts Sam as a brother.

🍷 Recovery 👪 Family ties 🚶 New beginnings

Lillian Harper (Michelle Pfeiffer)

Sam's mother, hospitalized with a heart condition. She reveals that Jerry forced a choice between family and Frankie, and that her protection was meant to spare Sam from heartbreak. Her actions and secrets push Sam toward forgiveness and reconciliation with his newfound family.

🏥 Illness 🕊️ Secrets 🛡️ Protection

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.

🤝 Family Bonds

Sam's journey centers on reconnecting with a family he never fully knew. The revelation of Frankie and Josh forces him to confront his responsibilities over his own ambitions. The film shows how blood ties can heal long-standing rifts and make room for new kinship.

🔎 Hidden Truths

Jerry's choices expose hidden truths about loyalty, love, and the costs of secrets. Frankie discovers a connection to Jerry and Sam that reshapes her grudges and softens her stance toward Sam. The narrative demonstrates how uncovering truth can redefine trust and belonging.

🌱 Forgiveness Journey

Characters navigate forgiveness and the willingness to rebuild a broken family. Sam seeks reconciliation with Frankie and wants to be a brother and father figure to Josh. The revelation of the past, and Lillian's protective choices, culminate in a fragile, hopeful healing.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:50

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 Summary

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 Timeline

People Like Us Spoiler-Free Summary

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People Like Us Spoiler-Free Summary

More About People Like Us

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