Watch Adam

Adam, released in 2009, is a romantic drama film that tells a moving story of a young man with Asperger’s syndrome and his journey towards love and self-discovery. Directed by Max Mayer, the film stars Hugh Dancy as the titular character alongside Rose Byrne and Peter Gallagher. The film begins with Adam, an awkward and socially inept young man who has just lost his father, struggling to come to terms with his newfound independence. Despite his autism, though, Adam is a highly proficient mechanical engineer and works for a toy-making company. It is through his work that he meets his new neighbor, Beth (Rose Byrne), a young woman who has just moved into the apartment upstairs.

Adam and Beth’s relationship is initially formal and reserved, but as they begin to spend more time together, their bond deepens. Through Beth, Adam begins to explore new experiences and find a new sense of freedom that he never knew existed. However, as their relationship progresses, challenges arise that put their newfound love to the test.

One of the central themes of the movie is the way that Adam and Beth navigate their fundamental differences. Adam’s Asperger’s makes social interactions and communication difficult for him, whereas Beth is outgoing and gregarious. The film handles this topic with sensitivity and nuance, depicting the two characters’ struggles to understand and connect with one another.

Another significant aspect of the film is the way that it portrays Adam’s experiences with Asperger’s syndrome. Adam’s view of the world is filtered through his unique perspective, and the film presents that worldview in a way that feels authentic and sympathetic. Hugh Dancy’s performance is a particular standout, as he manages to play the role of Adam with just the right mix of vulnerability, quirkiness, and groundedness.

The movie also explores the theme of grief and loss following the passing of Adam’s father. The audience sees how Adam’s ASD affects his ability to process and communicate his feelings, and his struggle with grief is depicted in a way that is both poignant and realistic.

The film’s cinematography is also worth mentioning. The shots are framed with a lot of care and attention to detail, especially in the scenes that showcase New York City’s urban landscapes. The camera angles and the lighting used in various scenes add to the movie’s overall aesthetic and atmosphere.

The supporting cast is also terrific. Peter Gallagher is brilliant in his role as Beth’s controlling father, who disapproves of her relationship with Adam. His performance exhibits a convincing range of emotions, from overprotectiveness to genuine concern for Beth’s welfare. Moreover, his scenes with Dancy are some of the film’s most effective.

Overall, Adam is a touching and sensitive film that explores themes of love, loss, grief, and autism with a delicate touch. The film’s performances, cinematography, and screenplay all come together to create an emotionally resonant and engaging viewing experience.

Adam is a 2009 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 56.