Eric returns home for a short visit and finds himself caught between reuniting with his sisters and chasing a victory with his old poker group. As the trip extends, Eric finds it increasingly difficult to avoid confrontations and revelations as his carefully constructed façade of his adulthood gives way to old childhood conflicts.
The Adults – Film Review
Published August 10, 2023
Movie Details
The Adults by Dustin Guy Defa weaves a story that is both heartwarming and bittersweet while taking a leisurely stroll down the winding paths of family dynamics and nostalgia. The film immerses us in the nuanced relationships of siblings as they struggle with the past, present, and uncertain future, with a strong ensemble cast led by Michael Cera, Hannah Gross, and Sophia Lillis.
Eric’s (Michael Cera) desire for a brief visit home quickly escalates into an extended stay as the story opens. This alteration prepares the ground for a subtle examination of family ties as Eric gets in touch with his sisters Rachel (Hannah Gross) and Maggie (Sophia Lillis). The first few scenes are expertly crafted, giving readers a clear sense of the personalities of each sibling and the conflicts that underlie their bonds. Intriguing personal motivation is added by Eric’s desire to establish himself as the best poker player in the community, which connects his present actions with his past choices.
Eric is portrayed by Cera in a way that strikes a balance between being endearing and perplexing. His clumsy demeanor and slumped posture reveal a person who is still trying to find his place in both the familial and personal spheres. One of the film’s high points is the development of his friendship with Maggie, which perfectly captures the spirit of enduring sibling camaraderie. Lillis gives Maggie a contagious energy, and her attempts to heal the emotional rift between the siblings add real warmth to the picture.
In her role as Rachel, Gross gives a subtle performance that deepens the emotional core of the movie. Her tense interactions with Eric reveal a history of wrongdoing and misunderstanding, and as the story progresses, we see the resentment between them gradually eroding. The overall authenticity of the siblings’ interactions is, however, occasionally hampered by some of the dialogue exchanges between them feeling stilted.
The atmosphere of the movie is significantly shaped by the supporting cast. Anoop Desai as Josh and Wavyy Jonez as Dennis provide comic relief and help to bring the small-town setting to life. Josh’s deadpan humor and Dennis’ carefree attitude provide a welcome balance to the siblings’ more reflective moments.
By combining vibrant visuals and emotive music, Defa’s direction effectively captures the essence of nostalgia. The small town that serves as the movie’s setting develops into a character in and of itself. In contrast to the characters’ emotional confusion, the camera work and cinematography successfully convey the comfort and familiarity of home. The use of intimate close-ups and handheld shots immerses the audience in the world of the characters, enabling us to relate to their triumphs and setbacks on a personal level.
However, The Adults‘ tonal consistency is where it falters. The film alternates between funny and poignant scenes, occasionally producing jarring mood shifts. While this strategy can be effective when used skillfully, in this instance, it occasionally ruins the immersive experience. The forced nature of some of the comedic elements undermines the otherwise natural interactions between the characters.
The film’s emotional confrontations and revelations come to a head in the climax, which brings a satisfying conclusion to several plot lines. Despite being heartwarming, Eric and Rachel’s reconciliation seems a little hasty considering how serious their problems were. A more deliberate approach to the pacing in the second half of the film might have enhanced the impact of the emotional beats.
The exploration of sibling relationships and the significance of nostalgia in The Adults is compelling. The performances give the movie emotional depth and resonance, especially those of Cera, Gross, and Lillis. Although Defa’s direction effectively captures the spirit of the home and family, the film’s potential is limited by the inconsistent tonal shifts and occasionally stilted dialogue. The Adults offers a touching story that could have benefited from a more expertly executed execution. It has its heart in the right place and has moments of genuine connection.