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.
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. 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 present divide between them.
Cast
Michael Cera as Eric
Hannah Gross as Rachel
Sophia Lillis as Maggie
Wavyy Jonez as Dennis
Anoop Desai as Josh
Kyra Tantao as Megan
Kiah McKirnan as Amanda
Simon Kim as Greg
Lucas Papaelias as Bobby
Tina Benko as Christina
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.
It was released on August 18, 2023.
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." 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." 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."
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?"