The Adults (2023) Comedy Movie Review

Throughout "The Adults," there are numerous scenes featuring strange voices and spontaneous song-and-dance numbers. Each instance cleverly illustrates how family bonds can sometimes become superficial, as they hide behind humor rather than sharing their true selves. The film, directed by Defa, captures this dynamic with both wit and insight, steering clear of clichés and sentimentality. The three stellar performances by the cast contribute to presenting this "quirky" family trait with authenticity.

The movie's plot may sound familiar—Eric returns home after years away, confronting the people and pain he left behind. Rachel, unamused and feeling the sting of Eric's absence, bears the burden of past woes, including her ex, their mom's death, and inheriting the family house. Despite her struggles, Eric remains oblivious to Rachel's hardships and criticizes her for not being as fun as she once was. Hannah Gross skillfully portrays Rachel's exhaustion and defensive nature, showcasing a tragic coldness.

To make matters worse for Rachel, Eric insists his visit will be short, lies about his other plans, and chooses to stay at a hotel instead of with his nearby sisters. His lack of interest in family is evident when he pretends to take a call during a bowling trip, opting for the claw machine instead. The film weaves humor and insight into the complexities of family dynamics, leaving the audience with a portrayal that is both relatable and thought-provoking.

Rachel is concerned about how Eric's return will affect Maggie, who eagerly anticipates reuniting with her older brother. Unaware of Eric's true intentions

—winning poker games to extend his stay each night

—Maggie remains blissfully ignorant,

 holding onto the golden memories of their sibling bond before loss and distance disrupted their connection. Despite Rachel's cynicism, Maggie maintains a hopeful outlook during their uncertain reunion, even breaking into song in the backyard of their family home, with Eric eventually joining in. Maggie, played by Sophia Lillis, adds a touch of worry and warmth to the film, blending giddiness with the solemnity of their dysfunctional family dynamic.

"The Adults" features a trio of dynamic characters, and its version of a "villain" adds a distinctive layer to the story. Michael Cera, returning to a lead role after a hiatus, portrays Eric with intriguing intensity, skillfully navigating his character's sometimes unconventional traits, such as the Marge Simpson accent. Cera's performance reveals a scowl of uncertainty when things aren't going Eric's way during sisterly hangouts or when he's immersed in poker games at night. His portrayal showcases an impressive ability for mind games, building on his previous poker role in Aaron Sorkin's "Molly's Game." It's one of Cera's standout performances, enhancing a film that encourages close observation of every character's expressions.

Defa's film emphasizes the importance of how a story is told and felt, not just its subject matter. "The Adults" explores dysfunction through the lens of siblings who can sing and dance together but are not necessarily friends. The film is characterized by poignant details, including the careful, jazzy score by Alex Weston, which tiptoes around the story's awkwardness. Tim Curtin's wide shots of Rachel and Eric standing across from each other, isolated in the same frame, evoke a painful tension. Yet, moments like Eric joining his sisters in a dance routine offer a glimmer of hope, albeit bittersweet.