Young Adult
Young Adult

Movie spotlight

Young Adult

2017
Movie
18 min
English

On the last day of a summer camp for persons with disabilities, a teenage girl fights to connect the boy that might be the love of her life.

Insights

IMDb5.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes72%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users69%
Director: Jason ReitmanGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

Mavis Gary, a writer of young adult fiction, is divorced and struggling with writer's block. She receives an email announcing the birth of her ex-boyfriend's child and decides to return to her hometown to try and win him back. Mavis's attempt to rekindle their romance, however, unearths old wounds and forces her to confront her immaturity and flawed perception of relationships.

Critical Reception

Young Adult received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised Charlize Theron's performance and the film's darkly comedic tone. Some critics found the protagonist unsympathetic, but many appreciated the nuanced exploration of arrested development and nostalgia.

What Reviewers Say

  • Charlize Theron delivers a compelling and often uncomfortable performance as a flawed protagonist.

  • The film expertly balances dark humor with a poignant look at unresolved issues and arrested development.

  • While some found the main character unlikeable, her journey offers a thought-provoking, albeit cynical, perspective on returning home.

Google audience: Audience reviews frequently highlight Charlize Theron's outstanding performance, with many appreciating the film's unique blend of comedy and drama. However, some viewers found the central character difficult to connect with, and a portion of the audience felt the plot was somewhat predictable or unsatisfying.

Awards & Accolades

Charlize Theron received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.

Fun Fact

The character of Mavis Gary was specifically written with Charlize Theron in mind, even before Diablo Cody began writing the script.

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