Release Date: 7/29/09 (Limited)
Adam, written and directed by newcomer Max Mayer, is a quirky romantic drama that goes against the norms of the genre. It is a nice little love story that is easy to get into mostly because of the striking performances from the two lead actors. The writing and directing are just as good, mixing comedy and drama very well, but the story seems like it was missing a few key scenes to really put it over the edge. Nevertheless, Adam makes for a pleasant movie experience.
The movie opens with Adam Raki played by Hugh Dancy, at his father’s funeral. We follow him to work, where he is writing microchip software for toys and fixated on creating interesting functionality while his boss (played by Larry from Perfect Strangers) simply wants to cut costs. He stays in the apartment he had shared with his dad, eating the same meals every day, sitting in the same chair, and following his established routines until Beth Buchwald, played Rose Byrne, moves into the building. Adam falls in love, in his own obsessive way. Beth is attracted to Adam, but naturally distrustful. She later learns that he has Asperger’s Syndrome, which cause abnormalities of social interaction and communication. Things proceed from there, as they work out their relationship while enduring painfully awkward physical contacts and even more pain and awkwardness meeting Beth’s friends and parents.
I really enjoyed the performance of Dancy, going into the film I didn’t really know much about the syndrome and thought that it could be disastrous watching an actor who’s not really known pull it off. He gives a very convincing portrayal, as I really believed he had the syndrome by the end of film. He gives almost a more calm and subdued Rain Man impression, as there were some times during the film where Dancy really reminded me of Dustin Hoffman’s performance. I give Dancy props though, because he really did an incredible job.
Rose Byrne also had a stellar performance as Beth, as she had very good chemistry with Dancy throughout and dealt with his syndrome with very natural emotions. She played the loving, sweet, neighbor to perfection. There are also a couple very emotional scenes involving her father in the film Marty Buchwald, played by Peter Gallagher, who is involved with a very serious trial. She lets the tears pour from her face and being skeptical of her acting in the first act, she really impressed me in the long run.
The film as a whole is very enjoyable. The story really makes you feel good about yourself, as I was in a good mood after I left the theater. It’s just a refreshing look at a romantic story that doesn’t come around very often. The only thing that seemed to bother be about the film is that it was very short. With a running time of 99 minutes, coming out of the theaters I felt like it was missing a few scenes here and there. I feel like there could have been a moment that would of made you really feel for Adam and Rose and their situation at the end of the film.
Adam is definitely worth your time, not quite MADE, but if anything you will come out of the theater feeling good.
Imdb: 7.2/10
Rotten Tomtoes: 88%
Moviewiseguys: 7.5/10