Who Are You People

*At the end of “Who Are You People,” Alex’s journey leads her to discover the complex truth about her origins. Throughout the film, she searches for her identity by questioning her family, digging into her biological history, and confronting the reality of her biological father, Karl Hendrix. When she finally meets Karl in Newburgh, she learns that her biological father was a troubled man who had a fleeting and complicated relationship with her mother, Judith. Karl’s version of the story suggests he was an artist who fell into alcohol and regret, and that the initial encounter with Judith was unintentional yet intense. Judith, on the other hand, sees him as someone who took advantage of her vulnerability.

As Alex pieces together the story, she realizes that her conception was the result of a moment of imbalance and poor choices made by both her mother and Karl. Her feelings are tumultuous—she feels dirty, unwanted, and angry—yet she begins to understand that her identity isn’t solely defined by her biological roots. The film’s ending shows her acceptance of her complicated family history, but with a sense of hope. She chooses to give Karl a chance, acknowledging that people are often more nuanced than they seem. Her confrontation with her past helps her embrace her own sense of self, not as a perfect or entirely innocent individual, but as someone who can move forward with compassion and understanding. The story ultimately emphasizes that identity is layered—shaped by both biological ties and the stories we choose to accept and forge for ourselves.*

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:00