Adulthood (2025) Review – A Darkly Funny Dive into Growing Pains

Some films make you laugh, some make you uneasy, and then there are those rare ones that manage to do both at the same time. Adulthood (2025), directed by Alex Winter, falls squarely in that latter category—a comedy-drama that stares into the absurdity of family dysfunction while never losing its humanity.

🌟 The Premise – Family Secrets, Dark Humor

The story begins with siblings Noah Robles (Josh Gad) and Megan Robles-Vargas (Kaya Scodelario) making a shocking discovery in their parents’ basement: a dead body. What could easily spiral into horror instead becomes a strange, darkly funny journey into the complexities of adulthood, responsibility, and the unresolved baggage of family ties.

The tagline might as well be: “Nothing says ‘growing up’ like finding a corpse at home.”

🎭 The Performances – Chaos with Heart

• Josh Gad brings his signature mix of awkward humor and heart to Noah, a man perpetually stuck between boyish charm and real-world responsibility.

• Kaya Scodelario plays Megan with sharp wit and emotional depth, grounding the chaos with a raw, layered performance.

• Billie Lourd shines as Grace Briscoe, adding eccentric humor to the mix.

• Anthony Carrigan, ever the scene-stealer, delivers quirky intensity as Bodie Geller.

• And yes, Alex Winter himself steps in front of the camera as Doug Metzger, proving he can balance directing with a sharp, comedic turn.

🎬 Direction & Writing – Alex Winter’s Risk Pays Off

Winter takes a bold leap here, blending pitch-black humor with tender family drama. Michael M.B. Galvin’s script crackles with snappy dialogue, while still allowing moments of stillness to breathe. The absurdity of the premise doesn’t overshadow the emotional truths—it amplifies them.

Cinematographer Christopher Mably captures the claustrophobic, eerie vibe of the basement setting, while Paul Leonard-Morgan’s score tilts between playful and unsettling, mirroring the film’s tonal shifts.

🍿 Reception – A Solid Festival Darling

Premiering at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, Adulthood earned immediate buzz. Critics have praised its balance of laughs and unease, with Rotten Tomatoes showing a 77% approval rating based on early reviews. For an indie comedy-drama, that’s a strong footing.

Audiences seem to agree: the humor hits, the tension lingers, and the message about navigating the messy road of

Adulthood resonates long after the credits roll.

📅 Release & Where to Watch

Adulthood premiered at TIFF on September 11, 2025, before hitting select U.S. theaters on September 19, 2025. Distributed by Republic Pictures and Paramount, it’s expected to expand to more markets soon.

📝 Conclusion – A Quirky, Darkly Funny Coming-of-Age Tale

Adulthood isn’t a traditional comedy or drama—it’s a genre-bending film that asks: what does it really mean to grow up? Through bizarre circumstances, offbeat humor, and heartfelt performances, Alex Winter delivers one of 2025’s most original indie gems.

👉 If you like your comedies with a dark edge and your dramas with a laugh-out-loud punch, Adulthood is a must-watch.