We discuss the ending of the Netflix film You People, which will contain spoilers.
You People is a romantic comedy movie directed by Kenya Barris (Black-ish), based on a script written by Barris and co-star Jonah Hill (The Wolf of Wall Street). In the film, Jonah Hill plays Ezra, a white Jewish man who falls madly in love with a black Muslim woman named Amira (Lauren London). The couple somehow avoid meeting each other’s parents for months, until marriage is finally on the cards. With a wedding to plan, these two very different families are forced together, leading to many arguments over matters of race and religion. This bitter rivalry threatens Ezra and Amira’s marriage and overall happiness, as they struggle to appease both sets of parents, along with their dated views.
You People ending explained
This seismic culture clash comes to a head at the couple’s rehearsal dinner, which marks the first proper gathering of both families. All of the loved-up couple’s family and friends are crammed into a room together, which unsurprisingly causes further rifts. A montage of awkward speeches highlights these major differences, with Ezra’s racist friends talking about storming the Capitol, whilst Amira’s Uncle EJ (Mike Epps) labels Ezra as the white Barry White, mocking the amateur podcaster in the process.
How do Ezra and Amira confront the parents?
After these awkward speeches, Ezra and Amira decide to confront their main enemies separately and in private. Ezra meets with Amira’s father Akbar (Eddie Murphy) and Amira challenges Ezra’s mother Shelley (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). Akbar says that he doesn’t like Ezra, but he will pretend to for his daughter’s sake. Ezra asks why Akbar hates him so much, when all he’s ever done is love Amira. Akbar brings up the bachelor party in Vegas and Ezra’s racist friends, but they seem to just be an excuse. Ezra concludes the chat, saying he will never know what it feels like to be a black person, but he knows what a nasty person looks like.
Shelley and Amira’s conversation goes similarly. Shelley asks Amira about her hair, saying how she’s researched black women’s hair and is fascinated by the history. Amira states that she isn’t just a toy, something Shelley can show off to her friends. She calls Ezra’s mother wildly offensive and incredibly inappropriate, believing wholeheartedly that Shelley sees her as a cool, topical prop, not as a friend or family member. Shelley never actually wanted to get to know Amira and just used her as a talking point with friends. Amira says her truth and leaves, Shelley looks distraught.
What causes Ezra and Amira to split up?
The couple meet up and agree that this marriage isn’t going to work, they just can’t see their parents changing and it feels like too big an obstacle to overcome or ignore. They part ways and three more months pass. Ezra’s podcast show is expanding and he now films the series in a studio. EJ and Akbar watch the show, discussing Ezra and his modern views. EJ tells Akbar that he was horrid to Ezra and he needs to make amends. Akbar realizes he was too harsh on Ezra and calls up Shelley.
Do Ezra and Amira get married?
Shelley and Akbar formulate a plan behind the couple’s back, forcing Ezra and Amira to accidentally bump into each other outside a shop. This is a perfect chance for Shelley and Akbar to apologize separately. Akbar admits that he treated Ezra poorly and Shelley does likewise with Amira. They then lead them into a building where they have organised a surprise wedding for the couple. Ezra and Amira get married, with both of their family’s religions being involved in the ceremony. Afterwards, both families bond and the couple finally secure the happy ending they both deserve.
