Adulthood (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
The world of dark comedy and neo-noir cinema gets a fresh entry with Adulthood (2025), directed by Alex Winter and written by Michael M.B. Galvin. Marketed as a darkly comedic crime thriller, the film tells the story of siblings Megan (Kaya Scodelario) and Noah (Josh Gad) who stumble upon a long-buried corpse in their parents’ basement. What begins as a shocking discovery soon spirals into a chaotic web of murder, blackmail, and destructive choices.
In this review, I’ll break down the film’s story, performances, strengths, and weaknesses while also giving you a complete guide on where you can stream, rent, or buy Adulthood (2025) online—especially if you’re in the United States.
Plot Overview
When Megan and Noah return to their childhood home after their mother suffers a stroke, they expect to sort through old belongings—not uncover a corpse hidden beneath the basement. The body, believed to be that of a missing neighbor, sets off a chain reaction of bad decisions, escalating violence, and entanglement with questionable characters.
From there, Adulthood evolves into a neo-noir satire on poor decision-making and the lengths people will go to protect secrets. Unfortunately, instead of becoming a tightly woven murder mystery, the narrative swerves into uneven territory.
The setup is gripping, but as the story unfolds, tonal inconsistencies and plot holes weaken the film’s overall impact.
Performances
Kaya Scodelario as Megan
Scodelario gives the film its sharpest edge. Her performance balances mystery and unpredictability, making her character the most engaging presence on screen. She plays Megan with a simmering intensity, leaving audiences unsure whether her motivations stem from survival, thrill-seeking, or both.
Josh Gad as Noah
Gad takes on an unusual role, leaning into dark comedy with mixed results. His exaggerated reactions and awkward humor will appeal to some viewers, but for many, his presence feels out of place. The lack of chemistry between Gad and Scodelario undermines the brother-sister dynamic the film heavily relies on.
Anthony Carrigan and Billie Lourd – The Standouts
Supporting actors Anthony Carrigan and Billie Lourd steal every scene they’re in. Carrigan’s sociopathic charm and Lourd’s ruthless presence provide energy and unpredictability. Ironically, it’s the side characters who breathe life into a story that otherwise struggles to maintain momentum.
Direction and Writing
Director Alex Winter aims for a Coen Brothers–style blend of dark humor, crime, and absurdity. While moments of biting satire and bleak comedy succeed, the execution often feels flat. Michael M.B. Galvin’s screenplay has glimpses of brilliance—especially in its commentary on suburban secrets and human self-destruction—but it too frequently falls into stagnant pacing and narrative detours.
The result is a film that feels serviceable but underwhelming. Instead of escalating tension and clever payoffs, Adulthood often treads water between plot developments.
Themes and Tone
At its core, Adulthood reflects on:
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The burden of family secrets – Megan and Noah inherit not just their parents’ home but their sins.
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Bad decisions compounding over time – Each choice leads to greater chaos, echoing the film’s central idea that adulthood often means living with the consequences of mistakes.
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Dark comedy vs. bleak reality – The script struggles to balance its humor with the grim subject matter, creating tonal whiplash.
While these themes have potential, the film never fully embraces them in a way that feels cohesive or emotionally resonant.
Cinematography and Editing
Christopher Mably’s cinematography highlights the eerie mundanity of suburban life, contrasting everyday scenes with grisly violence. Intercuts of soccer games, grocery shopping, and family routines emphasize the unsettling coexistence of normalcy and horror.
Editor Sandy Pereira delivers sharp juxtapositions, but the film’s pacing remains uneven, with some scenes dragging on while others feel rushed.
Strengths
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Kaya Scodelario’s commanding performance.
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Carrigan and Lourd’s scene-stealing charisma.
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Moments of sharp satire about suburban life and moral decay.
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A few memorable bursts of dark humor.
Weaknesses
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Lack of chemistry between the leads.
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Tonal inconsistencies between comedy and thriller elements.
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Flat pacing and underdeveloped narrative arcs.
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Supporting cast overshadows the supposed protagonists.
Where to Watch Adulthood (2025) Online
If you want to stream or rent Adulthood (2025) in the United States, here are your options:
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Apple TV – Available for rent or purchase.
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Amazon Prime Video – Rent or buy digitally.
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Google Play Movies & TV – Rent or purchase options available.
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Vudu – Stream by renting or purchasing.
For the latest updates on streaming availability, you can check JustWatch.
Final Verdict
Adulthood (2025) is a film that had the potential to deliver a sharp, biting dark comedy but ultimately settles into mediocrity. While Scodelario and the supporting cast bring energy, the film struggles with tonal imbalance, flat pacing, and undercooked storytelling.
It’s a decent casual watch if you’re in the mood for a quirky crime drama with dark undertones, but it falls short of becoming a must-see entry in the genre.
If you’re a fan of dark comedies with a satirical edge, Adulthood may still pique your interest—especially for Kaya Scodelario’s performance and Anthony Carrigan’s delightfully twisted role. Just don’t expect a genre-defining masterpiece.
Want to see for yourself? Check streaming options on JustWatch or rent it on your favorite digital platform today.
Have you watched Adulthood (2025) yet? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear whether you agree with my take or found more to enjoy in Alex Winter’s latest film.
