2020s

Know the Cast: ‘The Humans’

The Humans Cast - Every Performer and Character in the 2021 Movie

The Humans cast features Richard Jenkins, Jayne Houdyshell and Amy Schumer. This info article contains minor spoilers and character details for Stephen Karam’s 2021 movie. Check out more streaming guides in Vague Visages’ Know the Cast section.

Based on Stephen Karam’s one-act play, The Humans takes place entirely within a New York City apartment on Thanksgiving. Erik and Deirdre Blake spend time with their youngest daughter Brigid, who moved into a Chinatown building with her boyfriend, Richard. Meanwhile, the oldest daughter, Aimee, tries to connect with her family members while dealing with a break-up and an intestinal disease. Now streaming on Showtime, the drama film examines the psychological decay that plagues the minds of each individual. Here’s every main player in The Humans.

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘X’

The Humans Cast: Richard Jenkins as Erik Blake

The Humans Cast - Richard Jenkins as Erik Blake

Character Profile: A religious man and practical thinker from Pennsylvania. He visits his daughter in New York and makes judgments about her decision-making process. Erik waits until the right moment to reveal that he was fired from his job at a Catholic school after 28 years of employment.

Jenkins’ Resume: Walter in The Visitor (2007), Robert Doback in Step Brothers (2008), Ted in Burn After Reading (2008), Steven Frost in Berlin Station (2016-19), Giles in The Shape of Water (2017)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Ambulance’

The Humans Cast: Jayne Houdyshell as Deirdre Blake

The Humans Cast - Jayne Houdyshell as Deirdre Blake

Character Profile: Erik’s wife, a 61-year-old office manager. She hides a big secret about her marriage. Deirdre has kept the same job for decades and doesn’t seem fascinated about the idea of change.

Houdyshell’s Resume: Judge Ruth Linden in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2002-17), Mrs. Lubin in Garden State (2004), Alice in Everybody’s Fine (2009), Hannah in Little Women (2019), Bunny in Only Murders in the Building (2021)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Angelyne’

The Humans Cast: Amy Schumer as Aimee

The Humans Cast - Amy Schumer as Aimee

Character Profile: Erik and Deirdre’s daughter. She’s a lesbian who suffers from ulcerative colitis. Aimee tries to recover from a break-up while speaking to her parents who seemingly don’t understand her as an individual.

Schumer’s Resume: A Popular Stand-Up Comedian — Also, Amy in Inside Amy Schumer (2013-16), Amy in Trainwreck (2015), Amanda Coster in Thank You for Your Service (2017), Renee Bennett in I Feel Pretty (2018)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Godspeed’

The Humans Cast: Beanie Feldstein as Brigid

The Humans Cast - Beanie Feldstein as Brigid

Character Profile: Erik and Deirdre’s daughter. The film takes place at her New York City apartment. She’s an aspiring composer who manages an H&M store; she receives emotional support from her partner, Richard, while her parents make insensitive and borderline inappropriate comments.

Feldstein’s Resume: Nora in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (2016), Julie Steffans in Lady Bird (2017), Molly in Booksmart (2019), Jenna in What We Do in the Shadows (2019), Monica Lewinsky in Impeachment: American Crime Story (2021)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Borrego’

The Humans Cast: Steven Yeun as Richard

The Humans Cast - Steven Yeun as Richard

Character Profile: Brigid’s 35-year-old partner, a Korean-American. He discusses his dreams with Erik. Richard reveals that he’ll receive trust fund money when he reaches 40, and that he struggled with depression during his early thirties.

Yeun’s Resume: Glenn Rhee in The Walking Dead (2010-16), K in Okja (2017), Derek Cho in Mayhem (2017), Jacob in Minari (2020), Mark Grayson in Invincible (2021-)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘F*ck Love Too’

The Humans Cast: June Squibb as Momo

The Humans Cast - June Squibb as Momo

Character Profile: The family matriarch. She suffers from dementia and makes unintelligible statements throughout the film. Erik and Deirdre read a note that was written by Momo in the past; the character says that she’s unafraid of what will happen to her mentally but regrets not dancing more throughout her life — a subtextual commentary about overcoming fear and living life to the fullest.

Squibb’s Resume: Cousin Gretchen in In & Out (1997), Helen Schmidt in About Schmidt (2002), Kate Grant in Nebraska (2013), Nana Schlieffen in Palm Springs (2020), Vivian in Palmer (2021)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Senior Year’

*

The Humans cast doesn’t include any supporting performers beyond the main players.

Q.V. Hough (@QVHough) is Vague Visages’ founding editor.