Humane (2024) Review – When Euthanasia Becomes Policy, Who Gets to Opt Out?

Opening Scene: Sunny Days and Body Bags

The anticipated Humane (2024) opened in US cinemas on April 26th, and it wastes no time setting its tone. A government program to curb overpopulation is introduced with bureaucratic ease: two men in white overalls remove a body bag from a suburban home, hand over an envelope, and leave the homeowner smiling. As upbeat music blares, it’s clear that societal collapse has been nicely papered over with protocol.

A voiceover outlines the world’s new normal: population figures have spiraled out of control, and the solution is disturbingly tidy. Each household can “volunteer” one member to be enlisted. In this context, “enlistment” means a lethal injection and a quiet pickup.

“Meet your population reduction goals.” — Quote from Humane (2024)

The York Family: A Patriarch’s Final Broadcast

Charles York (Peter Gallagher), a former news anchor, is introduced as the family’s sacrificial lamb. In a staged family dinner, he announces to his children and grandchildren that he plans to enlist himself for the sake of the estate, and a generous payout. His daughter Rachel (Emily Hampshire) delivers an expletive-laced protest, but Charles is resolute: he wants to go out a hero.

Humane and the Illusion of Altruism

Humane leans heavily on its title, suggesting dignity in the face of death. And everyone seems supportive of the cause, as long as it doesn’t apply to them. Enlistment, as it turns out, is a decision mostly embraced by the economically disadvantaged. For the wealthy, it’s a game of optics and avoidance.

The York siblings, Jared, Rachel, Noah, and Ashley, each lead productive but morally questionable lives. When Bob, the government euthanasia officer, arrives and finds Charles missing, he informs the family they now have two hours to nominate a replacement. If not, the consequences will be far from bureaucratic.

“The rules are the same for everyone.” — Bob, Humane (2024)

Bureaucracy Meets Brutality

Bob’s presence is both professional and ominous. With files on each family member, it becomes clear that none of them is guiltless. Humane toys with themes like nepotism, wealth disparity, and nationalism. In one moment, Charles’ wife Dawn is mentioned as unable to leave the house since volunteer euthanasia began, her Asian heritage subtly flagged as part of the global overpopulation narrative.

Despite these powerful setups, the film stumbles. After laying out its rules and establishing its moral stakes, Humane begins to unravel. Bob leaves Rachel’s daughter in the truck and gives the rest two hours to choose who dies. This hands-off approach breaks the tension and allows for some logic gaps to creep in.

Performances and Direction

The cast elevates the material with strong performances across the board. Jay Baruchel, Emily Hampshire, Peter Gallagher, Enrico Colantoni, and Sebastian Chacon all bring sharpness to their roles. Alanna Bale, Sirena Gulamgaus, and Uni Par round out the ensemble.

Director Caitlin Cronenberg makes a compelling debut, and while the Cronenberg name draws attention, she holds her own. Michael Sparaga’s script tackles massive themes, but falters in character development. The tension is real, but too many of the siblings feel like archetypes rather than people.

Themes and Missed Opportunities

The film hits its stress beats well, especially in scenes where family tension boils into violence. But the long scenes of sibling bickering stretch thin. Empathy is hard to come by, possibly by design, to highlight the moral bankruptcy at play.

Noah emerges as the most nuanced character. His journey speaks to redemption: it doesn’t matter when you choose to change, only that you do.

Plot Holes and Pacing

Unfortunately, once the plot devolves into a fight among the siblings, logic takes a hit. The group bands together to attack Noah, who is ironically the only one who’s reformed. As the fighting turns frantic, the dialogue becomes harder to justify. After stabbing and tying him up, the characters still call out to him as if he’s an equal, a tonal shift that feels unearned.

Final Verdict

Rating: 3.5 forks to the face out of 5

Humane is conceptually strong and visually sharp, but falters in execution. It starts with a scalpel and ends with a blunt instrument. Worth watching for the performances and premise, but don’t expect a clean moral takeaway.

Release Info

• In Theatres: April 26, 2024 (USA)
• Streaming: Shudder, July 26, 2024

Credits

• Written by: Michael Sparaga
• Directed by: Caitlin Cronenberg

Cast

• Jay Baruchel
• Emily Hampshire
• Peter Gallagher
• Enrico Colantoni
• Sebastian Chacon
• Alanna Bale
• Sirena Gulamgaus
• Uni Par

For Parents

Want to know what you’re in for? Visit Parent Previews for a full rundown on content warnings and age-appropriate viewing details for Humane (2024).em surprised he doesn’t materialise.

Humane Film Trailer – Watch it on YouTube

Humane

Director: Caitlin Cronenberg

Date Created: 2024-04-26 16:20

Editor's Rating:
3.5