"The People We Hate at the Wedding" is a film directed by Claire Scanlon that explores the consequences of unspoken familial grievances and their dramatic manifestations. The film follows siblings Alice and Paul, their mother Donna, and their tense reunion for the English wedding of their half-sister Eloise. The film does not aim to be revolutionary or experimental with the comedic genre, but rather to be a feel-good film. Kristen Bell, who plays Alice, makes a valiant effort as the standout with her humor and heart. She nails most of her punchlines and sets up the character arc with a seamless transition. Her chemistry with Dennis, her opposite in the will-they-won't-they subplot, is believable even within the context of their overwritten dialogue. Their pairing is the only relationship within the film that feels adequately matched in terms of performance and narrative credibility. Overall, "The People We Hate at the Wedding" is an awkwardly executed film that fails to deliver on its promise of a feel-good film. "The People We Hate at the Wedding" is a film that despite its lackluster performance by Platt, Janney, and Addai-Robinson, offers a compelling narrative about a family confronting their demons. The comedic writing lacks flow and punch, but the film effectively explores the repercussions of aging families and the ways in which protecting oneself or others can become a matter of intention versus impact. The film's core source of tension, Addai-Robinson, feels disengaged with her character, and the film's core source of tension is evident in her eyes. "The People We Hate at the Wedding" is a formulaic comedy that fails to stand out. Scanlon's film reveals its thesis by the credits, but its shelf life is short, lasting about a day before expiring.
