Film Review: Adulthood – Murder Most Monotonous

Shawn

3 min read

Post on Sep 11, 2025

4.1

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Film Review: Adulthood – Murder Most Monotonous

Is Noel Clarke's sequel to Kidulthood worth the wait? A brutally honest look at Adulthood's failings.

Noel Clarke's Kidulthood, released in 2006, was a gritty, unflinching look at the lives of young people navigating the treacherous landscape of South London. It garnered critical acclaim and launched Clarke's career. Its highly anticipated sequel, Adulthood, arrived in 2008, promising more of the same raw realism. But does it deliver? The short answer, unfortunately, is a somewhat disappointing no. While Adulthood attempts to capture the same energy and social commentary as its predecessor, it falls short, bogged down by a predictable plot and monotonous pacing.

A Familiar Setting, a Stale Story

The film revisits the characters from Kidulthood, now older and grappling with the consequences of their past actions. Sam (Noel Clarke), the central protagonist, is struggling to balance his personal life with his aspirations. We see him grappling with fatherhood, strained relationships, and the lingering shadows of his past. While this offers a compelling premise for exploring the complexities of adulthood and the enduring impact of past traumas, the execution feels lackluster.

The storyline itself is predictable, relying on familiar tropes and clichés that fail to engage the viewer on an emotional level. The supposed "murder mystery" element is thinly veiled and ultimately unsatisfying. The tension, so expertly crafted in Kidulthood, is largely absent, replaced by a sense of stagnation. The film feels more like a collection of loosely connected scenes than a cohesive narrative.

Performances and Direction: A Mixed Bag

Clarke's performance, while still charismatic, lacks the raw intensity of his portrayal in Kidulthood. The supporting cast delivers varying performances, some more convincing than others. The direction, too, feels somewhat uninspired, failing to fully realize the potential of the story. The film relies heavily on dialogue, often at the expense of visual storytelling.

Missed Opportunities and Unfulfilled Potential

Adulthood had the potential to be a powerful and thought-provoking film. It had the opportunity to explore the themes of social mobility, class inequality, and the complexities of growing up in a challenging environment with a fresh and insightful approach. However, it squandered these opportunities by prioritizing predictable plot points over genuine emotional depth. The film's pacing is often sluggish, and the narrative feels disjointed, leaving the viewer feeling detached and unfulfilled.

Final Verdict: A Disappointing Follow-Up

Ultimately, Adulthood is a disappointing sequel that fails to live up to the high standards set by its predecessor. While fans of Kidulthood may appreciate seeing the familiar characters again, the film's predictable plot, monotonous pacing, and uninspired direction make it a difficult watch. It serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of creating a successful sequel, highlighting the importance of fresh ideas, strong storytelling, and engaging direction. While the film offers a glimpse into the lives of its characters, it ultimately falls short of providing a truly satisfying cinematic experience. If you're looking for a gripping crime thriller, look elsewhere. This one's a miss.

Keywords: Adulthood, Kidulthood, Noel Clarke, film review, movie review, British film, crime drama, sequel, film analysis, movie critique, British crime film, London crime, social commentary.