Adulthood (2025) was one of the standout premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival. Directed by Alex Winter and written by Michael M. B. Galvin, the film combined dark comedy, mystery, and family drama in a way that left audiences talking long after its screenings. With its TIFF debut on September 11, 2025, followed by a limited U.S. release on September 19 and a digital rollout on September 23, Adulthood quickly made its mark on the fall movie slate.
A Story Rooted in Secrets and Dysfunction
The film followed siblings Noah (Josh Gad) and Megan (Kaya Scodelario) who returned to their childhood home after their mother’s hospitalization. What began as a routine trip to clean out the house took a shocking turn when they discovered a decades-old corpse hidden in the basement. That single discovery pulled them into a spiral of cover-ups, moral compromises, and uncomfortable truths about their family’s past.
Audiences praised the way Adulthood balanced sharp humor with suspense. The dead body was more than just a plot device, it served as a metaphor for buried trauma and the uneasy responsibilities that come with adulthood. The tension between Gad and Scodelario’s characters brought emotional weight to a story that might have otherwise leaned too far into satire.
Strong Performances and Creative Vision
Billie Lourd delivered one of the most talked-about performances as Grace, a caregiver whose seemingly helpful nature masked dangerous eccentricities. Anthony Carrigan’s role as Bodie added another layer of intrigue, while Winter himself took on a supporting part in addition to directing. At just 97 minutes, the film kept a tight pace, avoiding unnecessary filler while exploring its themes of guilt, denial, and responsibility.
The creative team ensured that Adulthood stood out among TIFF premieres. By combining crime drama with biting comedy, Alex Winter once again showed his ability to craft stories that challenge audiences while entertaining them.
Release and Audience Reaction
Following its TIFF premiere, Adulthood rolled into select U.S. theaters on September 19, 2025, before arriving on digital platforms on September 23. Early viewers highlighted its unique balance of humor and unease, comparing it to modern cult favorites. With its R-rating, it catered to audiences looking for something sharp, edgy, and unpredictable.
For many, Adulthood proved that the most haunting discoveries aren’t found in horror stories, but in the secrets families choose to bury.
