Best People is a comedy-drama movie that explores the dynamics of love, friendship, and power in contemporary society. Directed by Dan Levy Dagerman, the film follows the lives of six New Yorkers who struggle to find meaning, happiness, and success in their personal and professional lives. The movie opens with a montage of New York City landmarks, which sets the tone for the fast-paced, colorful, and diverse world of the film. The first character we meet is Max (Joseph D. Reitman), a successful but arrogant businessman who runs a high-end real estate company. Max is the epitome of the American Dream, as he has built his fortune from scratch, but his personal life is a mess. He is divorced, estranged from his teenage daughter, and stuck in a loveless affair with his assistant, Jamie (Brittany S. Hall).
The second character we meet is Sarah (Bianca A. Santos), a struggling actress who works as a bartender to make ends meet. Sarah is Max's neighbor, and they have a chance encounter in the elevator, which leads to a series of awkward and hilarious interactions. Sarah is smart, funny, and beautiful, but she lacks the confidence and connections to make it big in Hollywood. She dreams of landing a leading role in a Broadway musical, but she faces rejection and self-doubt at every turn.
The third character we meet is Miguel (Jorge Jimenez), a street musician who plays the saxophone in Central Park. Miguel is a talented musician, but he is homeless and struggles to make a living. He befriends Sarah and Max, and they invite him to perform at Max's company party, where he steals the show and attracts the attention of a famous record producer. Miguel sees this as an opportunity to launch his career, but he soon realizes that success comes at a price.
The fourth character we meet is Lena (Dena Tyler), Max's loyal and hardworking secretary. Lena is a single mother who has sacrificed her own dreams to support her son, who has cerebral palsy. Lena is a kind and compassionate person, but she is also overworked, underpaid, and undervalued by Max, who takes her for granted. Lena struggles to balance her job and her family, and she faces a moral dilemma when Max asks her to cover up a shady real estate deal.
The fifth character we meet is Jake (Jordan Carlos), Max's friend and business partner. Jake is a smooth-talking salesman who is always on the lookout for the next big deal. Jake is ambitious, optimistic, and charming, but he also has a dark side, as he is involved in a secret affair with Max's wife, who left him for Jake. Jake is torn between his loyalty to Max, his love for Max's wife, and his desire for power and success.
The sixth and final character we meet is Adam (Richard Bird), Sarah's gay best friend who works as a makeup artist. Adam is a flamboyant, witty, and creative person who is a source of comic relief and emotional support for Sarah. Adam has his own struggles with dating, as he is attracted to men who are either unavailable or uninterested in him. However, he maintains a positive outlook on life and spreads joy wherever he goes.
Together, these six characters form a tapestry of modern life in New York City, as they navigate love, friendship, ambition, and morality. The movie is full of witty dialogue, quirky situations, and poignant moments that capture the essence of urban living in the 21st century. The cast delivers strong performances, with Joseph D. Reitman and Bianca A. Santos carrying the emotional weight of the story. The cinematography is vibrant and dynamic, capturing the energy and diversity of the city. The soundtrack is eclectic and engaging, featuring jazz, pop, and classical music.
Overall, Best People is a fun and thought-provoking movie that will appeal to anyone who enjoys a good character-driven story with a touch of whimsy and heart. It is a salute to the resilience, creativity, and humanity of ordinary people who aspire to be something more than themselves.
Best People is a 2017 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes.
