Young Adult

In stages of human development, young adulthood refers to a person between the ages of 20 and 40. In fiction, it describes works for adolescents, typically telling tales of their peers. In film, the title heralds the latest collaboration between director Jason Reitman and scribe Diablo Cody, best known for their previous pairing on indie hit Juno. However, Young Adult also spans both definitions of the titular term, chronicling the homecoming of the 37-year-old ghostwriter of a popular juvenile series.

Despite her literary prowess and apparent good looks, Mavis Gary (Charlize Theron, The Road) is yet to move on from her teenage years. An email announcing her high school boyfriend’s (Patrick Wilson, Morning Glory) progeny only heightens her state of self-absorbed arrested development, sparking a trip back home to reminisce. Intent on rekindling their romance, she wallows in alcohol-induced nostalgia, ignoring his happily married status. A fledgling friendship with an overlooked former classmate (Patton Oswalt, The Informant!) provides her only point of normalcy, as Mavis attempts to recapture the glory of her youth.

Since coming to fame with the aforementioned 2007 comedy – and earning a best original screenplay Oscar in the process – blogger turned screenwriter Cody has crafted a considerable niche in film and television. Presenting alternative representations of women, she has garnered praise for her honesty and variety in comparison to the standard Hollywood portrayal of female protagonists, as seen in horror satire Jennifer’s Body and acclaimed television series United States of Tara.

Young Adult is an extension of her oeuvre, offering a gender-reversed take on the man-child movies common of late. However, whilst an affable sheen is often cast over the immature behaviour of adult males, this iteration revels in authenticity, resisting the urge to resort to quirkiness or cuteness. Instead, in an effort reminiscent of 2009 Ben Stiller vehicle Greenberg, the film conveys the awkwardness of its lead character. Watching her exploits, the audience is never quite comfortable, mirroring the reaction of those around her.

Indeed, Theron thrives as the abrasive anti-heroine, putting in her best screen performance since Monster. The awards attention afforded co-star Oswalt also proves well-founded, excelling as the sympathetic centre within the otherwise challenging whole. Their contrast provides the basis for much of the feature’s dark humour, emphasised by Reitman’s discerning direction. Combined with Diablo’s acerbic tone, their efforts ensure Young Adult is a revelatory and resonant portrait of self-destruction and discovery.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Young Adult
Director: Jason Reitman
USA, 2011, 94 min

Distributor: Paramount
Rated MA
In cinemas Thursday January 19th, 2012