The Humans

The Humans

Year: 2021

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: Stephen Karam

Drama

Three generations of a Pennsylvania family convene for Thanksgiving at their daughter's apartment in Lower Manhattan. As the evening progresses, hidden anxieties and long-held fears surface, exposing the complex relationships and underlying tensions within the family. The gathering becomes a haunting exploration of love, secrets, and the darkness that connects them, revealing the fragility of their bonds and the challenges of familial connection.

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Timeline – The Humans (2021)

Trace every key event in The Humans (2021) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Family Gathers for Thanksgiving

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.

Thanksgiving
2

Arrival at Brigid's Apartment

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.

Chinatown
3

Erik's Haunted Memories

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.

9/11
4

Family Tensions Emerge

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.

5

Richard's Struggles with Depression

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.

6

Aimee's Health Battle

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.

7

Deirdre's Joint 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.

8

Momo's Heartfelt Letter

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.

9

Erik's Nightmares Revealed

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.

10

Erik's Confession of Infidelity

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.

11

Thanksgiving Gathering Concludes

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.

12

Erik's Panic Attack

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.

Apartment
13

Brigid Returns to Help

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.

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 00:03

Unlock the Full Story of The Humans

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Humans 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 The Humans is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Humans Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Humans, 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.

The Humans Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Humans

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Humans. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Humans

The Humans Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of The Humans? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

The Humans Ending Explained

More About The Humans

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

More About The Humans

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