Review of Adoration (2013) by Manu G — 21 Feb 2014

A Story About Common Interests.

Decent Film! ADORE could have turned out really cheesy, but the very real characters, along with a nice blend of funny and sad moods, fitting soundtrack, and pretty Australian beach scenery keep it from becoming so. Fine performances by all the major players. Though more character and conflict development may seem needed at first, we get to know everyone and everything gradually, and the fact that they are all just fairly "normal" people is pivotal. Not the greatest script, but it's nothing if not realistic. But the tone of the film, as it unfolds, seems to almost turn it into a morality tale, suggesting these women brought difficulties and grief on themselves through their indulgent behavior. They experience joy for a time, but it comes at a great cost. Most women don't take up with their best friend's son for very good reasons. Yes it's predictable and fairly generic, but honestly I'd say it's quite hard to exactly hit generic these days, and this film does it. In short, you'll like it if you like softcore romance novels.

Lil (Naomi Watts) and Roz (Robin Wright) are two lifelong friends, having grown up together as neighbors in an idyllic beach town. As adults, their sons have developed a friendship as strong as that which binds their mothers. One summer, all four are confronted by simmering emotions that have been mounting between them, and each find unexpected happiness in relationships that cross the bounds of convention.