Alex Winter, best known for playing Bill in the Bill & Ted franchise, makes a striking return to the spotlight with his latest directorial effort Adulthood, a nastily comic crime noir that explores how family intrigue can turn ordinary people into criminals.
A Family Secret Unearthed
The film centres on Meg, portrayed by Kaya Scodelario, who has entrusted the care of her widowed mother Judy to home-help Grace while she focuses on raising her children and building her Facebook marketplace business. When Judy suffers a stroke, Meg's brother Noah, played by Josh Gad, arrives in town, forcing the siblings to confront their mother's impending death and the complicated division of assets.
While sorting through junk in their mother's basement, Meg and Noah make a horrifying discovery: a corpse that appears to have been walled up for years. Their investigation suggests the deceased might be a missing neighbour, triggering a chain of events that includes a blackmail attempt from the gloriously trashy Grace, portrayed by Billie Lourd.
Standout Performances Steal the Show
The film benefits enormously from its supporting cast, particularly Anthony Carrigan as needy cousin Bodie. Carrigan, celebrated for his role as NoHo Hank in the television series Barry, proves himself a serial scene-stealer once again, delivering a performance that balances charm and repulsion in equal measure.
Winter himself appears in a peripheral but significant role as a sad-sack stoner, creating what might be described as an alternative reality version of Bill had he never encountered George Carlin's time machine. The director's performance adds substantial texture to the proceedings, demonstrating his versatility both behind and in front of the camera.
Where the Film Falls Short
Despite its many strengths, Adulthood occasionally feels undercooked, perhaps due to Winter's direction or Michael MB Galvin's script. The narrative lacks sufficient torque during its final turns, and the character development of Meg and Noah feels somewhat incomplete.
The noir necessity that requires the siblings to descend to new depths to protect themselves isn't fully established, leaving both protagonists feeling somewhat cipher-like. Ironically, Judy, who barely speaks more than five words throughout the entire film, feels more fully realised than her children.
Nevertheless, the film maintains a quietly ruthless swagger that provides a satisfying counterpoint to typical holiday cheer. Its blend of black comedy and family drama creates an engaging, if not entirely lethal, cinematic experience.
Adulthood becomes available on digital platforms from 17 November, offering British audiences a dark alternative to seasonal entertainment.
