New director explores climate collapse and satire in a dystopian thriller set against modern American politics
Caitlin Cronenberg, stepping out from the shadow of her father, the renowned director David Cronenberg, premieres her feature-length directorial debut, ‘Humane.’ This film, unlike the body-horror classics associated with the Cronenberg legacy, carves a distinct path through its exploration of a near-future apocalyptic scenario fueled by climate crisis discussions.
Set in a world where the U.N. mandates population control to combat overpopulation, ‘Humane’ delves into the ethical quagmire of how nations determine who lives and dies. The film’s narrative centres on a wealthy family spared from the direst consequences of societal decisions—until a disastrous family dinner challenges their insulated existence.
Starring Jay Baruchel and Emily Hampshire, the film navigates through the intertwined themes of climate change, medical assistance in dying (MAiD), and the role of satire in reflecting contemporary issues. Baruchel portrays a government-aligned anthropologist advocating for population culling on television, while Hampshire plays a pharmaceutical CEO entangled in a high-profile trial concerning her company’s drugs.
Caitlin Cronenberg’s approach to ‘Humane’ is not about preaching a specific message but rather presenting a satirical version of potential real-world outcomes. “I’m happy that people will be watching it and think to themselves, ‘Yeah, this is a little bit too close to home,'” Caitlin remarked during her interview with Global News.
The casting choices of Baruchel and Hampshire were deliberate, highlighting the talent within the Canadian film industry. Caitlin expressed her satisfaction with the on-set experience, citing the actors’ “boundless talent” as key to bringing the film’s complex themes to life.
As ‘Humane’ hits theatres across Canada, Caitlin Cronenberg establishes herself not merely as a continuation of a cinematic dynasty but as a formidable filmmaker with her unique vision and voice
