Even though something like The Problem with People is a film that very much plays by a certain rulebook, you can’t help but still feel the charm of Chris Cottam‘s dramedy across its breezy 100 minutes.
Co-written by Paul Reiser, the Mad About You alum layers a certain American view to the Irish countryside that the majority of the film bathes in, starring as Barry, who receives a phone call out of the blue from his Irish cousin, Ciáran (Colm Meaney), who wishes to meet; a request on the deathbed of his ailing father (Des Keogh).
There’s been a rift in the family, and though Ciáran and Barry have nothing to do with it as such, it’s clearly weighed on Ciáran’s cranky old father long enough, and so with as little as a phone call – and a convincing push from his daughter, Natalya (Jane Levy) – Barry is jetting to Ireland, looking to make amends by merely gracing the family with his presence.
The locals are all delightfully entranced by Barry (and his accent), and for the briefest of moments it seems as if whatever generational rift took place has been healed. Of course with such a title as The Problem with People, and the opposite personality mentality we can see the film is adhering to, we know such peace won’t last. And indeed, when Ciáran’s father passes away and leaves half his estate to Barry, battle lines are drawn, the rift is reignited and the village locals are start to pick sides.
Caught in the middle of it all is Fiona (Lucianne McEvoy), Ciáran’s ex-wife and a possible love interest for Barry, and though her eventual arc is perhaps not as earned as it should be – there is a certain rushed temperament to the film wrapping up its narrative – it ultimately plays into the film’s well-meaning, pleasant personality.
A gentle paced film that stands as easy Sunday afternoon viewing, The Problem with People succeeds mostly off the banter between Reiser and Meaney as, unfortunately, the story might leave you wanting more. In spite of its simplicities though, there’s an inherent sweetness to proceedings and there’s a certain gravitas earned through its look at grief.
THREE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
The Problem with People is screening as part of this year’s Russell Hobbs British Film Festival, running between 6th November and 8th December, 2024, across all major Australian cities; Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Ballarat, Perth, Byron Bay, Ballina and Sydney. Head to the official website for more details on cinema locations and session times.
The Problem with People was originally reviewed during its theatrical release in the United States.
