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Young Adult
2011 94 min United States of America R 16+
★6.5
Comedy, Drama
Director: Jason Reitman
Trailers
EN
Teaser
Teaser
Description
A divorced writer from the Midwest returns to her hometown to reconnect with an old flame, who's now married with a family.
Budget:
$12M
US Gross:
$16.31M
Worldwide:
$22.94M
Starring
Charlize Theron
Actor
Patrick Wilson
Actor
Patton Oswalt
Actor
Awards
Golden Globe 2012
— Best Actress (Comedy or Musical)
Key opinion
Young Adult is a polarizing character study that eschews traditional redemption arcs in favor of a raw, unflinching look at arrested development. While many praise the film's refusal to offer moral comfort, others find the lack of a sympathetic protagonist and its bleak tone difficult to embrace.
| Acting | Charlize Theron delivers a powerful, nuanced performance that effectively humanizes an otherwise deeply unlikable and dysfunctional protagonist. | |
| Ending | The film masterfully avoids conventional Hollywood sentimentality and forced "happy endings," favoring an ambiguous and realistic portrayal of personal stagnation. | |
| Direction | Jason Reitman and Diablo Cody establish a distinct, melancholic, and satirical aesthetic that successfully captures the discomfort of a mid-life breakdown. | |
| Pacing | The deliberate, slow-burn pacing polarizes viewers; some find the quiet, uncomfortable exploration of character depth engaging, while others perceive it as tedious or sluggish. | |
| Screenplay | The film’s refusal to provide a clear moral stance or a likable hero creates a barrier for some, leading to disagreement over whether the script is a bold, subversive character study or a hollow, unpleasant experience. |