Only Humans

Initially, my instinct was to react harshly and condemn the idea that a 36 year old and a 16 year old coming together in this way was an obvious felonious act of a shameful nature to be glorifying. How could this be anything but a cautionary tale of watching your children and vetting everyone they come into contact with, I wondered.

But, once I was able to think about it on a very realistic level, I considered the possibility of this occurring in real life. Vince wasn't trolling for teenage love and Sarah wasn't trying to score from a middle aged man; this evolved organically. It also brings to mind the notion to have real, honest dialogue with your children about sex, relationships, and situations that can induce physical moments like what took place in 'Only Humans'.

Artistically, philosophically, and thought-provokingly good film.

By presenting attraction between teen and adult and giving it the leash to play out without condemnation, director and co-writer Vanessa Knutson self-imposes a minefield she then beelines straight across, setting off incendiary little explosions in the engrossing "Only Humans." This is a deceptively plain-faced, socially taboo tale told with a deft hand. And the fact it doesn't hand out prison sentences is sure to enrage those demanding a retributive moral to the story.

When sixteener Sarah (Ivy Matheson) needs driving lessons, mom Nancy (Peri Gilpin) pairs her with decidedly adult male Vince (Micah Hauptman), who could use a hand cleaning out his house in preparation for its sale. Attraction happens, and it's acted upon. Of course we know it's legally and socially verboten, so whether we have the taste for it being reflected in our entertainment is subjective. For these exact reasons, "Only Humans" is paradoxically compelling stuff.

"Only Humans" will perhaps be best received by an audience comfortable with films that portray an immoral situation, yet don't hold any subsequent expectation that its creator must then offer their clear and personal condemnation. This is an impacting film that many will applaud for the same reasons it'll incite others. See for yourself. - (Was this review of use to you? If so, let me know by clicking "Helpful." Cheers!)

Everybody does a little growing up in this well acted and directed movie by Vanessa Knutsen. With the somewhat morally problematic central storyline of film, the director makes some strong choices and depicts a very real and believable tale of characters that are "only human." The use of music is first rate, and, regardless of your personal feelings about the shortcomings of the characters, this movie has a lot of merit and is well worth watching.

A sensitive, believable, and lovely film. I truly appreciated the maturity of the storytelling. The lack of judgement and allowing the characters to be flawed, human and real. And to grow at their own pace. This is the kind of beautiful work you often see in international filmmaking but rarely here in the U.S. So refreshing! I found the film to be brave, honest and just very affecting.

Only Humans I must admit that I was nervous, watching Only Humans. I wasn't sure how the subject matter will be handled. However, Director Vanessa Knutsen was masterful of handling such a topic. It took guts to make such a film. This is a film about loneliness, emptiness, guilts, needs, and acceptance. It's not about sex between a teenager and an older man. Only Human is an honest film that deals with the complexity of emotions that exist in every one of us.