Watch They Look Like People

They Look Like People is a 2015 independent psychological thriller that tells the story of two old friends who reunite in New York City during a time when people are beginning to show strange and alarming behavior. The film, written and directed by Perry Blackshear, stars MacLeod Andrews, Evan Dumouchel, and Margaret Ying Drake in principal roles.

The movie opens with Wyatt (MacLeod Andrews) on a bus journey to visit his old friend Christian (Evan Dumouchel) in New York City. The two haven't seen each other in many years, and Wyatt quickly realizes that Christian is not the same person he used to be. Christian seems extremely paranoid, constantly talking about an impending war between humans and demons who are masquerading as humans. He tells Wyatt that he's been getting messages from a mysterious source, instructing him to prepare for the upcoming conflict.

As the days pass, Wyatt's confusion and concern grow as he observes Christian's erratic behavior. Though initially skeptical, Wyatt begins to wonder if Christian's conspiracy theories might have some truth to them when he perceives that some of the people in the city are indeed behaving in strange and suspicious ways. In particular, the two men notice that some people have been wearing hearing aids and talking on the phone constantly in a language that they can't understand. Christian believes that these people are the demons he's been warned about, and that they're plotting to take over the world.

Despite his doubts, Wyatt agrees to assist Christian in fortifying his apartment, stockpiling weapons, and setting up traps to defend against the impending invasion. Christian gives Wyatt strict instructions on what to do in case they are attacked, making it clear that he places his survival, and ultimately the fate of humanity, in his dear friend's hands.

Meanwhile, Wyatt has his own personal problems to deal with, which involve a budding romance with Mara (Margaret Ying Drake), an ex-coworker who has just separated from her abusive husband. Wyatt is hesitant to get involved with Mara, but she is persistent, and they start seeing each other more regularly, even though Christian disapproves.

As They Look Like People approaches its climactic ending, Wyatt must make some tough choices about whom to trust and to what extent to believe in Christian's wild theories. The tension builds toward a haunting and thought-provoking conclusion that will leave the viewer questioning who is who, what is real, and the subtle messages of mental health and paranoia hidden within those concepts.

Overall, They Look Like People is a meticulous slow-burn of a thriller that challenges conventional storytelling with its dark themes, shrouded plot, and revelatory character arcs. Although it requires patience and attention to detail, the film rewards viewers with an engaging narrative and an empathetic exploration of the nature of fear, anxiety, and sanity, all of which the performances from MacLeod Andrews, Evan Dumouchel, and Margaret Ying Drake bring to life. The directorial approach is also noteworthy, with Blackshear crafting a palpable sense of dread without relying on cheap scares or jump scares. The cinematography, too, is impressive, with its use of dark lighting and mysterious camera angles contributing greatly to the film's unsettling ambiance.

Anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller with a bit of a twist should give They Look Like People a chance. It's an intense, atmospheric film that keeps you guessing until the end, and it explores the vulnerability of the human mind and the line that exists between reality and insanity in a masterful way that will leave an impression long after the final credits roll.

They Look Like People is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.