You People Adds its Commentary to the Nuanced Racial Conversation

It is easy to believe in our modern world that arguments against interracial relationships are a thing of the past. However, the nuances of navigating such relationships are more complex than ever before. Although Netflix’s You People is classified as a comedy, it touches heavily on delicate social issues. The star-studded feature-length film dives deep into the tricky waters of navigating familial ties and views on interracial relationships. 

You People follows the story of Ezra (Jonah Hill), a White Jewish man engaged to Amira (Lauren London), who happens to be a Black woman. Ezra hosts a podcast with his Black best friend on Black culture and the struggles its community faces. He finds that his future father-in-law, Akbar (Eddie Murphy), is not as thrilled as his daughter is about Ezra joining the family. Consequently, Akbar goes to great lengths to make sure Ezra does not feel welcome and to show his daughter that she is making a mistake. On the other side of the fence, Ezra’s mother, Shelley (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), similarly makes her future daughter-in-law uncomfortable. You People also touches on the debate on who is the more oppressed group – Black or Jewish people. Shelley uses her Jewish history as a way to defend and deflect her constant uses of microaggressions toward Amira’s family. 

Overall, the movie was enjoyable and enriching. With the familiar faces on screen, the movie attracts many different audiences and does not disappoint. The film indirectly discusses and provides commentary on questions that are prevalent issues in today’s world. Although the movie’s ending felt rushed, it does not detract from the overall quality and message. With the increasing number of interracial partners in society, the film’s modern feel was a solid installment to Netflix’s portfolio of original movies.