Adam

  • Review Date: July 28, 2009
  • PG-13
  • Genre: Drama
  • 2009
 Review

Common Sense Media says

Surprisingly fresh romance upends your assumptions.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that, despite the marketing campaign, this romantic film about the unusual but deeply compassionate relationship between a man with a high-functioning form of autism and his new neighbor is more dramatic than comedic. There are frank discussions about sex, since the man's condition means that he always says exactly what he thinks, even about sensitive matters. Also, some characters are perplexed by Adam's autism and sometimes downright hostile.

  • A young man with Asperger's syndrome (a form of autism) attempts to forge a connection with his neighbor, whose big heart allows her to see beyond his limitations. But the rest of the world isn't as embracing, and some scenes depict others being hostile to him. Still, the woman who loves him does so wholeheartedly, with little judgment.
  • Two very different people take great pains to understand each other and wind up learning more about themselves -- and love in general. It's a touching pairing, especially since it's juxtaposed against what appears to be a solid marriage wounded by deceit and betrayal.
  • A young man explodes in frustration; he screams and throws objects around, and the woman with him is afraid. But the tantrum doesn't appear directed toward her. Instead, it's fairly clear that it's because he can't control his overwhelming emotions. Another screaming match ensues later between father and daughter.
  • Fairly frank discussion about sex and arousal. A couple has sex for the first time -- though there's no outright nudity, there's some kissing and tumbling in bed. She also places his hand in her bra. Later, a married man admits to having an affair.

What's the story?

Adam (Hugh Dancy), a 29-year-old electrical engineer, lives in a regimented world filled with routine meals (macaroni and cheese and frozen vegetables) and plain clothing (neutral-colored shirts and pants). His apartment, if drab, is neat as a pin. Adam has Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism that leaves those who have it perfectly able to navigate the world -- but not emotions. So when friendly, pretty teacher Beth (Rose Byrne) moves into his building, Adam finds himself on unstable ground. Drawn to Beth but unable to make sense of love -- and the passion and confusion it entrails -- Adam is challenged to let her in. And Beth, who’s unearthing unpleasant secrets about her own family, has her own issues to deal with.


Is it any good?

 

There are so many ways that ADAM could have taken a wrong turn, but thankfully it doesn’t. Gracefully told and beautifully filmed, it steers clear of potholes that wreck most other movies about "conditions." First, there’s Dancy, whose turn as Adam is spot on -- no overacting here. He’s both tortured and content and always compelling. And Byrne is definitely his equal. When she falls in love, it’s believable, even given the daunting setup.

Director Max Mayer understands the importance of being earnest; instead of lacing the entire enterprise with breezy romcom energy, he goes for truthfulness. Though the approach may have taken the wind out of Adam’s sails just a bit -- it’s more serious than typical date-night fare and perhaps a bit melodramatic on rare occasions -- it leaves the film interesting. And that’s more than anyone else can say about romance movies of late.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about the difficulties inherent in Adam and Beth's relationship. Are they any worse than challenges that other couples face, or just different? Why are they drawn to each other?

  • How does the movie approach sex? Do Adam and Beth communicate well?

  • How have other movies and TV shows depicted characters suffering from
    autism and other similar conditions? How does Hugh Dancy's
    interpretation compare?


This review was written by S. Jhoanna Robledo
Adult
June 1, 2010
 
Adam is a beautiful movie, wonderfully made! I love this movie because it doesn't take it too far and the characters seem so real. Please, view it!

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Adult
February 8, 2010
 
Movie For Understanding
It explains the prejudice against those with disabilities in our society. Very important that you pay attention to the reactions of characters.

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Kid, 11 years old
April 2, 2010
 
Adam
Rated PG-13 For Thematic Material,Sexual Content And Language

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This review was written by S. Jhoanna Robledo
Studio:Fox Searchlight
Director:Max Mayer
Cast:Amy Irving, Hugh Dancy, Rose Byrne
Genre:Drama
Run time:99 minutes
Theatrical release date:July 29, 2009
DVD release date:February 2, 2010
MPAA rating:PG-13
MPAA explanation:thematic material, sexual content and language.

This review was written by S. Jhoanna Robledo
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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