Young Adult

Back together after the critical and box-office success that was Juno, Jason Reitman and Diablo Cody score another triumph with Young Adult. The film follows a middle-aged fiction writer, Mavis Gary (Theron) who returns to her home town in hope of re-kindling a romance with her ex-boyfriend who is, to her dismay (though not discouragement), now happily married.

Cody has a knack for writing the wittiest one-liners, devastating drama and fascinating scenarios, and Jason Reitman has a keen eye for portraying all of it. As exciting as it to see the two pair up again, it’s even more exciting to see Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron let her hair down in a bitchy, comedic role. What’s more, Theron is joined by the hilarious Patton Oswalt (who European audiences may only recognize as the voice of Remy in Ratatouille) – the two a perfect duo, each with their own acting and comic skills.

The attempt to understand life and to “find yourself” has long been the backbone to Reitman and Cody’s films, withYoung Adult following that trend marvellously. It’s a shame and shambles that the film lost out on Oscar nominations but hopefully you’ll fall in love with it and realise how wrong the Academy can be from time to time. As well being a heart-felt introspection to minds that don’t grow old, the film will also introduce many to Oswalt who will hopefully become a bigger thanks to his part in this gem. Young Adult is offering a lot and you’d be foolish to miss out.