Parents' Guide to Who Are You People

Horvath gives a memorable performance in writer-director Ben Epstein's affecting coming-of-age drama, which focuses on the impulsive, vulnerable Alex's character development. This isn't a typical teen drama centering on an unrequited or blossoming romance, a conflicted circle of friends, or a dramatic/bullying situation at school. Alex is lonely and feels like the odd person out of her otherwise perfect family. Parents may cringe at her many misguided and downright dangerous decisions, but there's an authenticity to her often impulsive, occasionally reckless behavior. Alex's choices seem believable thanks to Horvath's portrayal; she evokes an appearance of surety that only adolescents can convey. Although Alex is desperately in need of structure, she also needs to be listened to -- and, more than anything, she craves the truth.

The adult actors are all in fine form, although both dad actors do their share of scenery chewing with blustery, aggressive performances. Milano, on the other hand, is quietly powerful as a woman who hasn't fully processed a traumatic event that she keeps hidden. One minor misstep is turning Alex's connection with Arthur (Reid Miller), whom she meets while attending church with Karl and Sarah, into something more than friendship. They have little chemistry, and the hint of romance is unnecessary to Alex's character development. And the story's big twist isn't ever fully explored, but it's a strength of the film that it doesn't end in a tied-up, tidy way. Ultimately, this is a unique and thought-provoking film about forgiveness and family and is a welcome change from the typical high school teen drama.