Watch Loving Adults

Loving Adults, a 2022 psychological thriller, directed by Barbara Rothenborg, pierces through the serene veil of a seemingly perfect marriage to unveil the darker impulses of love and betrayal. This Danish drama, based on the bestselling novel "Kærlighed For Voksne" by Anna Ekberg, is a whirlwind of tension that unfolds in the intimate setting of a couple's life, which takes a harrowing turn as secrets and lies begin to surface.

Set against the backdrop of a sleek, modern Denmark, the movie introduces us to Christian (played by Dar Salim) and Leonora (played by Sonja Richter), who epitomize a successful couple leading a luxurious life. Christian is a hardworking and ambitious professional, while Leonora is an elegant and supportive wife, with their adoration for each other seemingly unwavering. They also share a certain affection and care for their son who requires special medical attention, which appears to bring them closer together.

However, cracks soon begin to show as Christian's eyes wander away from his marital vows. The entry of the youthful and beautiful Xenia (portrayed by Sus Wilkins) into the troika brings forth a complex network of emotions and power dynamics that sets the core of the narrative. Xenia's presence disrupts the couple's tranquil life, as it dawns on Leonora that her hitherto unbreakable bond with Christian might not be as secure as she believed.

The film takes audiences on a psychological deep-dive into the psyche of a marriage hanging by a thread and the length people can go when the foundation of trust is shattered. The true test of their relationship surfaces when plans of a passionate departure are hinted. Egos begin to bruise, self-concepts shudder, and both Leonora and Christian find themselves at a crossroads where they must reconcile their feelings of love, anger, and the cold calculations made in the pursuit of personal happiness.

As the story progresses, viewers are drawn into a cat-and-mouse game between the protagonists. The narrative twists and turns, making it clear that nothing in this intricate plot is black and white. The skills of the leading actors are put to test as they embody characters who are both victim and perpetrator, vulnerable and hardened, loving and cold-hearted.

Salim's portrayal of Christian is nuanced and gripping, encapsulating the duplicity of a man torn between desire and duty. Richter's Leonora, on the other hand, is transformative, emanating both strength and palpable desperation as her life's fabric begins to unravel. Wilkins' Xenia confidently delivers the lure and freshness of a new love interest, adding to the already bubbling cauldron of emotions and intentions.

Loving Adults stands out for its ability to maintain tension throughout the film. Barbara Rothenborg's direction ensures that the audience is always on edge, understanding that the characters' outward poise masks a mess of internal conflict and moral conundrums. The movie takes on common themes of infidelity and emotional warfare with a stylish and suspenseful touch that keeps the viewer questioning the true nature of the characters' loving intentions.

The storytelling is bolstered by sophisticated cinematography and a haunting score that accentuates the plot's suspense and emotional gravity. Cinematographer Philippe Kress captures the icy Scandinavian landscape with clinical precision, mirroring the cold, calculated risks the characters take in the game of deceit they find themselves entangled in. The mood is further enriched by the music which underscores the emotive contours of both the climactic and the quietly devastating moments that punctuate the film.

As the narrative unspools, the surface-level stability and affluence of the couple's world is peeled back to reveal the disturbing depths of human nature when confronted with love's darkest facets. The progression of events in Loving Adults serves as a showcase of how personal insecurities, societal expectations, and the fear of loss can converge to drive individuals to extreme measures, weaving a troubling tapestry of twisted affection and moral ambiguity.

Loving Adults leverages its tight script, compelling performances, and strong artistic vision to explore the disturbing dimensions of a marital relationship gone awry. The movie shines a chilling light on the lengths to which individuals may go to secure their own notions of love and contentment, drawing audiences into a thought-provoking contemplation of the complexities of adult relationships.

True to the nature of a suspenseful psychological thriller, Loving Adults traverses the rocky landscapes of love, jealousy, and vengeance, creating a gripping film experience. The depiction of a perfect life undone by human frailties and hidden desires culminates in a cinematic journey that demands attention until the very end, leaving the viewers pondering the true costs of unconditional love and the deceptive veneer of an ideal marriage.

Loving Adults is a 2022 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.