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Adam

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Surprisingly fresh romance upends your assumptions.

Themes in this movie include:   dating/crushes, honesty

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    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.
  • Role models:

    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.

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    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.
  • Sex:

    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.
  • Language:

    Expletives are used pretty sparingly, but include words like “bulls--t," “f--k," "dick," "damn," "hell," and "oh God."
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Social drinking at parties, etc.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Adam was written by S. Jhoanna Robledo

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.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • 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?
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More on Adam

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.

Cast & Film Details

Studio: Fox Searchlight, Director: Max Mayer
Run time: 99 minutes
Theatrical release: 7/29/2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for thematic material, sexual content and language

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