Human Capital

Based on a book by Stephen Amidon, Human Capital explores the effect a hit-and-run tragedy has on a disparate group of characters – including a struggling real-estate agent (Liev Schreiber’s Drew), a trophy wife (Marisa Tomei’s Carrie), and a rebellious teenager (Maya Hawke’s Shannon). It’s clear almost instantly that Human Capital’s biggest problem is a pervasively, aggressively low-rent atmosphere, as filmmaker Marc Meyers proves incapable of establishing a single compelling character or moment of authenticity – with the predictable lack of momentum that ensues compounded by flat, unimpressive visuals and a chintzy (and perpetually distracting) musical score. And although there are a small handful of moments here that fare relatively well, Human Capital is, for the most part, drowning in subplots that couldn’t possibly be less interesting (eg there’s a whole stretch involving Tomei’s character that just doesn’t work at all). The emphasis on unconvincing, stilted instances of dialogue is ultimately the final straw with this hopelessly amateurish piece of work, and there’s ultimately little doubt that Human Capital fares about as well as a garden-variety Lifetime movie.

* out of ****