Film Reviews

Adulthood

• Rating:
• Director: Noel Clarke
• Starring: Noel Clarke, Scarlett Alice Johnson, Ben Drew, Danny Dyer
• Details: UK / 99mins (18)

The sequel to little-seen 2006 film Kidulthood, Adulthood's story is flipped as it sees the former's villain, Sam, released from jail six and a half years after murdering its protagonist, Trife. Looking to just get on with his life, he finds that the group he terrorised have all grown up and are still holding a grudge against him. Sam sets out to track down the former members of the gang and straighten things out, before his mother or brother are drawn into his dangerous world. Pitched somewhere between American History X and Menace II Society (but y'know, British), this is a noble effort from first-time director Clarke, who also stars and penned the script. Obviously, there's a strong urban feel to it and the dialogue may need subtitles at points - but this is predominantly a resolute production, that only occasionally descends into hyperbole. The major success here is Clark's magnetic performance, as he directs himself in a restrained and thoughtful turn as the reformed antihero, and he's ably supported by an enthusiastic cast. Some problems lie within the flimsy narrative that leaves plot holes so wide, that one of the featured hoodrats couldn't jump them on their souped-up BMXs. Of course, there are your typical, seemingly cliche'd innit' chavs that you wouldn't believe existed, if you didn't pass them everyday. But Clarke has obviously had first-hand experience with these kind of people and most will find the characters familiar, as the only thing that changes from country to country is the accents. Nothing is glamorised here; the director is very much aware of the market that this is aimed at, and he wants to prove a point - that acting in such a destructive manner has serious repercussions. Holding down triple duties was never going to be easy, but doing so on a first feature and making a solid film deserves serious commendation. Ultimately, Adulthood transcends its flaws and is one of the better films on inner-city youth to come from the UK in some time.

Review by Mike Sheridan