Watch Everyday People
- NR
- 2003
- 1 hr 31 min
-
6.5 (1,293)
Everyday People is a moving and realistic drama about a diverse group of people from different backgrounds who are brought together in a Brooklyn-based café. The film is set in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood, which has been home to a tight-knit African-American community for decades. However, as wealthier and whiter newcomers move in, the community begins to feel threatened and embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
The story revolves around four main characters. Papa B (played by Nathan De'Shon Myers) is the owner of the café and the patriarch of the community. He is a wise man with a warm heart, who cares deeply about his customers and employees. He has been in the café business for over 50 years and has seen it all. However, he is now facing a dilemma as he can no longer afford to pay the rent for the space and is struggling to save his business.
Jesse (played by Jordan Gelber) is Papa B's son, who is resentful of the café and of his father's neglectful parenting. He is a successful stockbroker who has become detached from his community and is struggling to find meaning in his life. He sees the café as an obstacle to his own success and is pushing his father to sell it.
Sylvia (played by Bridget Barkan) is a recent college graduate who has returned home to Brooklyn and is struggling to come to terms with her newfound adulthood. She is dating a white man from the neighborhood, which has caused some tension between her and her family. Sylvia begins to work at the café, where she meets the other characters and begins to learn more about herself and her community.
The fourth main character is Mocha (played by Stephen McKinley Henderson), a regular at the café who is dying of cancer. He is a spiritual man who shares his wisdom with the other characters, helping them to find their way in life. Mocha's illness serves as a catalyst for the other characters to reassess their priorities and figure out what really matters to them.
The film explores themes of gentrification, race, class, identity, and community. It shows how the changing demographics of a neighborhood can affect the lives of the people who live there. It also depicts the struggles of the African-American community to hold on to their traditions and values in the face of economic and social changes. The film portrays the diversity and richness of the community and celebrates the differences that make each person unique.
The acting in the film is superb, with each actor delivering a nuanced and realistic performance. Nathan De'Shon Myers is particularly outstanding as Papa B, bringing a sense of gravitas and wisdom to the role. The film's direction is also impressive, with director Jim McKay capturing the essence of the community and creating a sense of intimacy and warmth.
Overall, Everyday People is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a glimpse into the lives of people struggling to hold on to their identity and sense of community in a rapidly changing world. The film is a poignant reminder of the importance of human connection and the value of diversity in our society.
Everyday People is a 2003 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.