Review by Lisa Payne
A waiter on his way home from work one night is knocked off his bicycle by a hit and run car driver. We are introduced to the relationship of Shannon (Maya Hawke of Stranger Things fame) and Jamie (Fred Hechinger) from the vantage point of Shannon’s father, Ray Donovan, sorry I mean Drew (Liev Schreiber).
Human Capital is a remake of a 2013 film and based on a 2004 novel by Stephen Amidon. The points of view of the three of the main characters are presented like the layers of an onion slowly being peeled. Through the scenes leading up to the event and the aftermath, the perspectives of the disappointments, betrayals, loyalties, general shadiness of the characters and their motives are brought into focus.
With each new angle, we move closer to the center of what happened. Complex, overlapping emotional relationships are explored.
The supporting cast features Marisa Tomei, Peter Sarsgaard, Betty Gabriel from Get Out (it is particularly nice not to see her looking terrified), and Alex Wolff, amongst others. Each is experiencing financial, emotional or mental desperation, as director Marc Meyer delicately weaves their stories together. The excellent acting from all ensures the interactions are effortless and natural.
While initially disorienting, once I became comfortable with the multiple viewpoints, I was drawn in by each narrative.
Definitely worth seeing for the compact script and tight direction. Human Capital is short at 97 minutes by today’s film standards, and I would not have been mad if we were given a deeper glimpse into their lives.
Available on DirecTV-TODAY
In Theaters and On Demand Friday, March 20
