They Look Like People
Director: Perry Blackshear
Actors: MacLeod Andrews, Evan Dumouchel, Margaret Ying Drake
PlotWyatt shows up at the doorstep of his old friend, Christian, seemingly aimless and carrying trauma from a recent breakup. Christian, who is navigating his own insecurities while aiming for a promotion at work, invites Wyatt to stay with him in his apartment. As they reconnect, Wyatt confides in Christian about terrifying phone calls he has been receiving, warning him of a hidden war and claiming that certain people around them are actually monstrous creatures in disguise. Unsure whether these are delusions or reality, Wyatt prepares for what he believes is an imminent apocalyptic battle.
As Wyatt's paranoia deepens, tensions grow between the friends. Christian attempts to help Wyatt while balancing his relationship with his colleague, Mara, whom he is romantically interested in. The atmosphere becomes increasingly tense as Wyatt’s behavior grows more erratic and suspicious. Christian wrestles with his loyalty to his friend and his discernment of Wyatt’s mental state. The line between reality and delusion starts to blur, causing Christian to question Wyatt's perceptions and the true nature of the people around them. As their bond is tested under the pressure of these supernatural fears and psychological turmoil, the narrative delves into themes of friendship, trust, and the fragile threshold between sanity and madness without yet revealing which side will prevail.
Writers: Perry Blackshear
Release Date: 26 Feb 2016
Runtime: 80 min
Rating: Unrated
Country: United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
A fascinating indie film on mental illness, balancing tension and humanity, with commendable visuals and audio; a compelling narrative of paranoia.
Read our review of They Look Like People Blu-ray Slipcover in Original Pressing to find out more