People You May Know

The status quo relationship situation between four Los Angeles-based thirtysomething friends is shaken to its roots in this dramedy that shines when characters are interacting, but becomes a numbing bore during extended scenes of wordless sex. Married couple Rodrigo (Nacho San José) and Delia (Andrea Grano) are under strains due to fertility issues and Rodrigo's extended absence while he works in his native Spain. Delia and her former beau, Joe (Sean Maher)—who is gay but remains close to her—get drunk one lonely night and sleep together, resulting in Delia becoming pregnant. The news understandably shocks Rodrigo, who retreats, leaving Delia to turn to a wary Joe for support. Meanwhile, the self-deprecating careerist Herbert (Mark Cirillo)—always coming up short in the romance department but working hard to retire in his 40s—meets a great guy on the eve of a life-altering event. The relationship crossfire among these folks (further complicated by Joe's attachment to a would-be lover he's never seen but communicates with online) is akin to good sitcom fodder. But there is a requisite-quota feel to the sex scenes, which are tonally out of place with the rest of the movie, although the excellent cast somewhat compensates. A strong optional purchase. (T. Keogh)