Jermaine Clement stars in the surprisingly entertaining People, Places, Things, a quasi-romantic comedy about a graphic novelist and teacher attempting to balance raising two children with figuring out a way to move on from his ex-wife.

Funny in a cute, charming kind of way, People, Places, Things offers few if any laugh-out-loud situations and its romantic beats aren’t as in your face as mainstream audiences tend to expect. But thanks to a likable performance by Clement, a strong supporting cast and a solidly understated screenplay by director James C. Strouse, the movie was one of the better films to show at the 41st Annual Seattle International Film Festival (#SIFF2015).

Regina Hall co-stars as Clement’s unlikely romantic interest… unlikely not because she’s black and he’s white, but because she’s normal and he’s… Jermaine Clement. Their odd pairing works well in the context of the film, and the two actors have good chemistry together. Their relationship feels believable.

Jessica Williams, playing Hall’s daughter and Clement’s student, also does a great job.

There is nothing particularly amazing about People, Places, Things, but its feel-good story and entertaining script make it work anyway. Recommended.

Review by Erik Samdahl. Erik is a marketing and technology executive by day, avid movie lover by night. He is a member of the Seattle Film Critics Society.