Festive season is around the corner as Christmas closes in, but viewers are saving the date for a new streaming original comedy which has shot itself to number one.
While holiday movies are starting to get pumped out like nobody’s business, it is a red letter day for The People We Hate at the Wedding as it has mounted its way to the very top spot of Amazon Prime Video in its debut week.
With a veritable boatload of comedic talent, headlined by Kristen Bell, Academy Award-winning actress Allison Janney, Broadway star Ben Platt, and Arrow star Cynthia Addai-Robinson, the film has got more than enough pedigree to justify its existence. Opening at top spot in 37 countries, it’s proven to already be a success.
Following a dysfunctional family reuniting for a wedding, it sees some of the finest cliches and tropes of wedding movies as its stacked cast endure some cringe comedy and general buffoonery on the big day. Directed by Claire Scanlon, a frequent collaborator of Bell’s who won Emmys for her work as an editor on The Office and The Apprentice, it’s perhaps no shock it’s got people watching.
While people may be watching, they may not be laughing. The massive opening has been met with scathing critical reviews as it does what so many comedy films do: fails to be consistently funny. Sitting at a paltry 24% on Rotten Tomatoes, the overwhelming consensus is its stacked cast don’t get the chance to show their best in the concept comedy.
Good news for Four Weddings and a Funeral, you’re still the best wedding comedy out there. The People We Hate at the Wedding is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.