People Places Things (2015) - James C. Strouse

James C Strouse's People Places Things is the story of Will Henry, a college professor and graphic novelist, who is struggling to find happiness after breaking up with his long term girlfriend, Charlie, who also shares twin girls with Will.  Will's life was flipped upside down one night when he walked in on Charlie with another man, shattering what Will had to perceived as a happy existence and sending him on a spiraling path towards depression and loneliness.   One year later, Will is attempting to still get his life together, eventually entering into a relationship with Diane, the mother of one of Will's students from class.  James C Strouse's People Places Things is a film this unable to sustain its simple premise, delivering a straight-forward narrative about the difficulties of getting over a long-term relationship that simply doesn't have much new to say on the subject.  Will Henry is a character who struggles to get over a woman he loved very much, and People Places Things remains interesting thanks to its unique blend of awkward humor and wit.  The film does have a few moments of poignancy, having a tender approach, but unfortunately many of the characters in the film just aren't very interesting, something the film's unique tone is unable salvage.  These type of off-beat films have become a dime a dozen in the indie circuit of filmmaking, but People Places Things is one of the better ones due to its ability to capture the indecisiveness which comes with the fragility of someone who has just had their heart-broken.  Touching on the doubts and vulnerability which can develop with age, loneliness, and heart-break, People Places and Things is a film about coming to terms with oneself, and even though its narrative plot points leave something to be desired, it's hard not to appreciate this thoughtful comedy that is full of wit and charm.

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