Consenting Adult
Young and shy Jeff discovers his attraction to men. After struggling with himself he comes out to his parents. Mum eventually listens to his son and tries to understand his feelings, but his Dad would rather die — which, in the end, he really does, leaving behind a mother, her son and his friend to work those things out Jeff and his Dad had never the courage to talk about.
Insights
Plot Summary
A divorced woman, after marrying a wealthy businessman, finds her life complicated by her son's drug addiction and his attempts to extort money from his stepfather. The film explores the destructive nature of addiction and the strain it places on family relationships. It delves into the emotional turmoil and ethical dilemmas faced by the family as they navigate the crisis.
Critical Reception
Consenting Adult was a made-for-television film that garnered some attention for its sensitive portrayal of a difficult subject matter. While not widely reviewed by major film critics due to its broadcast nature, it was generally seen as a compelling drama that tackled themes of addiction and family dysfunction with sincerity. Audience reactions often focused on the emotional weight of the story and the performances of the cast.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its earnest attempt to address teen drug addiction.
- Noted for strong performances, particularly from the lead actors.
- Considered a somewhat melodramatic but impactful television movie.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this 1985 made-for-television film is not readily available. However, similar films of its era tackling addiction often evoked strong emotional responses from viewers, with many appreciating the direct and often harrowing storytelling.
Fun Fact
Robert De Niro was originally considered for a role in this film, but ultimately did not participate.
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