The People We Hate at the Wedding isn't intended to do anything revolutionary or experimental with the comedy genre, nor should it be expected. Its goal is to be a feel-good movie, and it kind of achieves that. But from its predictable plot structure and series of overt gossips to a series of needle drops rolling down the nose, "People We Hate at the Wedding" is awkwardly executed.
Bell can't carry the entire movie on her shoulders, though she makes a valiant effort as the undeniable standout with the film's wit and humor. She nailed most of her punchlines, and her execution of Alice's blunt, shabby front perfectly sets up the character arc that Bell achieves with a seamless transition. Her chemistry with Denise (Dustin Milligan), their opposite in the film's subplot-will-they-won't-can be believable even in the context of their scripted dialogue. Their pairing is the only relationship in the film that seems adequately matched in terms of performance and, by extension, narrative believability.
Platt is very dry in most of his scenes, almost flustered with every line he delivers. His comic acting is desperate and his character's emotional "climax" is dulled by lackluster performances. Janie has her moments but she's either the victim of bad writing, misleading direction, or more likely of both. All the while, the film's primary source of tension, Addai-Robinson, feels disengaged from her character, the gears turning with each line constantly looking into her eyes.
Yet despite the disappointing shortfall in the performance, the value of "People We Hate at the Wedding" is still evident. While the comic writing lacks flow and punch, the overall narrative of a family's confrontation with demons makes an impression. The film cleverly examines the ramifications as families age, and the ways in which methods of protecting yourself or others can become issues of intent versus effect that often go undiscussed.
But while there's certainly merit in creating a comforting comedy, "People We Hate at the Wedding" doesn't amount to zero. Scanlon's movie makes its thesis known by the time the credits roll, but it has a fleeting shelf life, lasting about a day in your memory before it expires.
Now playing on Prime Video.
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