Get ready to dive into a darkly comedic crime thriller that’s as twisted as it is relatable—because who hasn’t dealt with family drama, right? But here’s where it gets controversial: Adulthood, directed by Alex Winter (yes, the same Bill from Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure), is a noir-infused family intrigue that’s equal parts hilarious and unsettling. It’s a throwback to classic black-comedy-dramas where good people make very bad choices, but with a modern twist that keeps you guessing. Winter himself steps into a peripheral yet pivotal role as a sad-sack stoner—a character that feels like the tragic, alternate-universe version of Bill had he never hopped into that time machine with Ted. It’s a performance that adds a layer of depth to the film’s already rich ensemble.
Speaking of the cast, the supporting players are the secret sauce here, bringing texture and color to a story that’s as much about family dysfunction as it is about crime. Take Billie Lourd, for instance, who delivers a gloriously trashy turn as Grace, the home-help caregiver with a few skeletons of her own. Then there’s Anthony Carrigan (NoHo Hank from Barry), whose scene-stealing charm as the needy cousin Bodie is both irresistible and cringe-worthy—you can’t look away, even when you want to. And this is the part most people miss: Carrigan’s character isn’t just comic relief; he’s a wildcard that complicates the already messy estate-planning and crime-covering math Meg and Noah are trying to navigate.
The setup is simple yet universally relatable: Meg (Kaya Scodelario) is juggling motherhood, a fledgling Facebook business, and the care of her widowed mother, Judy (Ingunn Omholt), with the help of Grace. When Judy has a stroke, Meg’s brother Noah (Josh Gad), a struggling screenwriter, returns home, forcing the siblings to confront their parent’s mortality and the looming division of assets. But things take a dark turn when they discover a long-dead corpse walled up in Judy’s basement—possibly a missing neighbor. This grim find sparks a chain of events, including a blackmail attempt from Grace, that tests Meg and Noah’s moral limits.
Here’s the controversial bit: While the film’s noir elements demand that Meg and Noah sink to new lows to protect themselves, their descent doesn’t always feel earned. Their characters, though central, remain somewhat one-dimensional, lacking the depth even of Judy, who barely speaks a word throughout the film. Is this a missed opportunity, or a deliberate choice to keep the focus on the chaos around them? It’s a question that lingers long after the credits roll.
Despite its flaws, Adulthood has a nasty little swagger that sets it apart from the usual holiday fare. It’s a film that doesn’t shy away from the ugliness of family dynamics or the moral gray areas of survival. But here’s the real question: Does it succeed in balancing its dark humor with its darker themes, or does it fall short? Let’s just say it’s a ride worth taking—warts and all. And if you’re craving something that’s equal parts uncomfortable and entertaining, this might just be your next watch. What do you think? Does Adulthood hit the mark, or is it a swing and a miss? Let’s debate it in the comments!
