The Humans

The Blake family convenes for Thanksgiving, setting the stage for an emotionally charged gathering. Erik and Deirdre arrive with Erik's elderly mother, Momo, to visit their daughter Aimee.

The family arrives at Brigid's apartment in Chinatown, where Erik's immediate reaction is one of criticism regarding their living conditions. He expresses concern over their location, which he believes is vulnerable to flooding and close to Ground Zero.

As they settle in, Erik is haunted by memories of 9/11, recalling driving Aimee to a job interview and the trauma of witnessing a victim that resembled her. This past trauma significantly influences his perception of the present.

During dinner, family tensions rise to the surface as Brigid voices frustration over her parents' refusal to assist her financially. She shares her disappointment over her unfulfilled dreams as a composer, highlighting the strains within the family.

While grappling with his own challenges, Richard reveals his struggle with depression as he awaits a trust fund that won’t mature for years. This adds to the complex web of issues affecting the family dynamic during their gathering.

Aimee shares her ongoing battle with a chronic illness, adding another layer of despair to the gathering. Coupled with her recent job loss and relationship breakdown, she faces the prospect of surgery, compounding her emotional struggles.

Deirdre's arthritis flares up, making her a target for family jests, which further adds to the tension of the evening. The struggles of each family member begin to paint a somber picture of their day-to-day lives.

A brief moment of solace occurs when Deirdre reads a heartfelt letter from Momo. The letter reflects her love and reassurance to the family during her decline, reminding everyone to maintain calm amid chaos.

As conversations transition from light-hearted to serious, Erik finally shares his nightmares that feature a faceless woman, representing his deep-seated trauma from 9/11. The family's teasing intensifies his discomfort throughout the discussion.

Pressured by Deirdre, Erik confesses a long-held secret about an affair with a teacher that cost him his job and pension. This revelation not only impacts his relationship with Deirdre but also shakes the trust of his daughters.

As the family gathering comes to an end, they assist Momo into a taxi, signaling their departure. The evening has clearly illuminated the unseen burdens each family member carries.

Left alone to resolve an electrical issue, Erik suddenly succumbs to a panic attack in the dark, revealing his vulnerability. He finds himself overwhelmed, pleading in fear as he grapples with the weight of his past and present.

In a moment of connection, Brigid returns to retrieve Erik, showcasing their strong bond despite the family's turmoil. Together, they leave the apartment, carrying the burdens of their shared familial struggles into the uncertain night.