Adulthood: A Disappointing Noir Comedy Misses The Mark

Shawn

3 min read

Post on Sep 11, 2025

4.6

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Adulthood: A Disappointing Noir Comedy Misses the Mark

The much-anticipated "Adulthood," billed as a darkly comedic noir exploring the pitfalls of growing up, has landed with a thud. While boasting a talented cast and intriguing premise, the film ultimately fails to deliver on its promise, leaving audiences feeling more disillusioned than amused.

The film follows the meandering journey of Elias Thorne, a disillusioned thirty-something navigating the murky waters of adulthood. He’s saddled with dead-end jobs, crippling debt, and a string of disastrous romantic encounters – a familiar enough setup for a modern noir comedy. However, unlike classics of the genre like The Big Lebowski or even more recent entries such as In Bruges, "Adulthood" lacks the sharp wit and compelling narrative to elevate its predictable storyline.

<h3>A Noir Aesthetic Without the Noir Soul</h3>

The film attempts to capture the gritty atmosphere of classic film noir, employing shadowy cinematography and a melancholic jazz soundtrack. While visually appealing, this aesthetic feels superficial, a mere costume draped over a thin and ultimately unconvincing plot. The attempt at a noir tone feels forced, undermining the comedic elements rather than enhancing them. The dark humor, meant to be cutting and insightful, often falls flat, replaced by a sense of unease that never quite resolves into genuine laughter.

<h3>Missed Opportunities and Weak Character Development</h3>

One of the biggest failings of "Adulthood" lies in its underdeveloped characters. Elias, despite his supposed complexities, remains a frustratingly passive protagonist. His struggles feel generic and lack the emotional depth needed to connect with the audience. The supporting cast, while featuring some recognizable faces, are equally underutilized, serving primarily as plot devices rather than fully realized individuals. This lack of character development hinders the film's ability to explore the themes of disillusionment and the complexities of adulthood in a meaningful way.

<h3>Predictable Plot and Uninspired Dialogue</h3>

The plot unfolds predictably, offering few surprises and lacking the clever twists and turns that one might expect from a film of this genre. The dialogue, often clunky and unconvincing, further detracts from the overall experience. The attempts at witty banter feel forced and lack the natural rhythm and sharpness necessary to land the intended comedic effect. This contributes to a sense of overall lethargy throughout the film, leaving the audience feeling detached and unengaged.

<h3>A Missed Chance for a Fresh Take on Adulthood</h3>

"Adulthood" had the potential to be a clever and insightful take on the challenges of navigating life in your thirties. However, the film ultimately falls short, hampered by a weak script, underdeveloped characters, and a misjudged tone. While the stylistic choices are initially intriguing, they ultimately serve only to highlight the film's lack of substance. For those seeking a darkly comedic exploration of adulthood, it's recommended to look elsewhere. Perhaps a rewatch of Lost in Translation or a dive into the critically acclaimed Frances Ha might provide a more satisfying cinematic experience.

What are your thoughts on films exploring the challenges of adulthood? Share your opinions in the comments below!