Adulthood

Billed as a dark comedy and thriller. Adulthood doesn’t quite convince either way however there's still plenty to enjoy here

Noah (Josh Gad) returns to his hometown to see his mother Judy (Ingunn Omholt) who has had a stroke. At the hospital meets his sister Meg (Kaya Scodelario) who stayed local, married and has two children. Meg however wasn’t Judy’s carer that was Grace (Billie Lourd) who we learn later resented her and an early scene in the hospital explains why.

Resigned that their mother is unlikely ever to home, the siblings set about arranging the place for a possible sale. While sorting out the house the discover the body of a long thought missing neighbour. Ideas of a sale are put on ice as the priority becomes what to do with the body.

What they decide is has some logic though it opens them up to a whole raft of new problems that include weird cousins, blackmail and a convivial cop who clearly knows more than she’s letting on.

Adulthood stands on the direction of Alex Winter (who has a small role) the writing of Michael M.B Galvin and the actors. The movie is well paced, with great dialogue and terrific performances from all concerned.

The central issue is the body but there are several things intertwined that make the film more interesting. The sibling’s borderline estrangement that begins to heal as they are then forced to reconnect with a weird branch of the family.
Then the simmering resentment of the carer who feels underappreciated and has built up a head of resentment to the point of derangement.

This all very well done and played, it could almost be described as slick. However the film never becomes the sum of its parts. It aspires to black humour yet doesn’t quite get to grips with the bad taste potential. And it’s not much of a thriller either, though blood is spilt.

That reads as if it’s holed below the waterline but in fact Adulthood is a solid entertaining film.

Adulthood will be available on digital platforms from 17 November 2025.

A special screening will take place at London’s Prince Charles Cinema on 25 November.