The Adults (film) explained

The Adults
Director:Dustin Guy Defa
Screenplay:Dustin Guy Defa
Music:Alex Weston
Cinematography:Tim Curtin
Editing:Michael Taylor
Runtime:91 minutes
Country:United States
Language:English

The Adults is a 2023 American comedy drama film, written and directed by Dustin Guy Defa and starring Michael Cera, Hannah Gross, Sophia Lillis and Wavyy Jonez. The film follows Eric, who has a plan to make a trip back home as short as possible but he finds himself balancing the relationship with his two sisters and his addiction to a local poker game.[1]

It was nominated to compete for the Encounter Award at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival, where it had its world premiere on February 18, 2023.[2] It was released on August 18, 2023, by Variance Films and Universal Pictures Content Group.

Synopsis

Eric wanted to have a short trip back home, but as time passes, it turns into a nostalgic stay as Eric catches up with his two sisters. His desire to prove himself to be the best poker player in town is also holding up his return. His sour relationship with his sister Rachel, and their little sister Maggie's attempts to revive the camaraderie they once shared, make Eric and Rachel face the reality of the present divide between them.

Cast

Release

The film had its world premiere on February 18, 2023. at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival. It was invited to Horizons section of 57th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, where it was screened on 30 June 2023.[3]

It was released on August 18, 2023.[4]

Reception

Rory O'Connor graded the film B+ for The Film Stage and wrote, "It’s coarse to the touch but The Adults is a tender film."[5] Steph Green reviewing for IndieWire graded the film B and wrote, "A raw, sensitive, and true look at a family in flux with too much love to give and no tools to whittle it into something useful."[6] Guy Lodge reviewing at Berlin Film Festival, for Variety wrote, "From... queasiness comes bristly tension, tautening and deepening what otherwise seems a low-key, low-stakes character study, and eventually a sweet, conciliatory sliver of hope too."[7]

Conversely, Damon Wise reviewing for Deadline Hollywood criticising the film wrote, "The Adults is a comedy-drama that doesn’t seem to deliver much of either, and that gray, in-between state just isn’t appealing anymore. Could it be that the cinema of awkwardness, or mumblecore in different clothes, has finally reached its sell-by date?"[8]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The Adults. December 16, 2022 . Savage Rose Films . February 12, 2023.
  2. Web site: The Berlinale announces its Competition and Encounters titles, plus Ukraine- and Iran-focused solidarity initiatives . Davide. Abbatescianni . Cineuropa . January 23, 2022. February 12, 2023 . en.
  3. Web site: 57th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival: Horizons . 30 June 2023. 2 August 2023 . Karlovy Vary International Film Festival . en.
  4. Web site: Michael Cera Faces Familial Consequences in First 'The Adults' Trailer [Exclusive]]. Collider. Britta. DeVore. May 30, 2023. May 31, 2023.
  5. Web site: Berlinale Review: Dustin Guy Defa and Michael Cera Reunite in The Adults, a Sibling Drama of Raw Emotion. Rory . O'Connor . 20 February 2023 . The Film Stage . 21 February 2023.
  6. Web site: 'The Adults' Review: Michael Cera's Cringe-Out Sibling Drama Is Surprisingly Moving. . Steph. Green . 18 February 2023. 21 February 2023.
  7. Web site: 'The Adults' Review: Michael Cera Leads a Sad, Subdued Study of Estranged Siblings Coming Together and Falling Apart. Guy . Lodge. 18 February 2023. 22 February 2023 . Variety.
  8. Web site: Berlin review: Dustin Guy Defa's 'The Adults'. Damon . Wise . 18 February 2023 . Deadline Hollywood . 19 February 2023.
  9. Web site: Berlin Film Festival Reveals Competition Lineup (Updating Live). Ramachandran . Naman . Vivarelli . Nick . 3 February 2023. 23 January 2023 . Variety.