Young Adult

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Young Adult

R

2011

1h 34m

Comedy

Drama

Romance

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

80%

Tomatometer

196 Reviews

49%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Mavis Gary (Charlize Theron) is a successful writer of teen literature who returns to her hometown with a dual mission: to relive her glory days and steal away her now-married high-school sweetheart (Patrick Wilson). However, her mission does not go exactly to plan, and she finds her homecoming more problematic than she expected. Instead, Mavis forms an unusual bond with a former classmate (Patton Oswalt), who has also found it difficult to move past high school.

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Critics Consensus

Despite its somewhat dour approach, Young Adult is a funny and ultimately powerful no-holds-barred examination of prolonged adolescence, thanks largely to a convincing performance by Charlize Theron.

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Wendy Ide

The Times (UK)

Aug 2, 2022

Charlize Theron is the self-absorbed central character in a script of such meticulous cruelty that it’s like watching someone pulling the legs off a spider.

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Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

Sep 8, 2017

B+

With all the so-called well-intended chick flicks with squeaky clean endings, is it any wonder that we're starved to see a heroine who's not redeemed and holding hands with her frenemy by the end of a movie?

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David Thomson

The New Republic

Jun 20, 2013

There has always been something so inward about [Theron;] she can seem detached or deprived. But here it's as if the script and the direction felt bound to heed that loneliness, and let the actress go with her bravery and the depressive sag of her mouth.

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Cameron Meier

MeierMovies.com

Jan 18, 2026

4.5/5

"Young Adult" is arguably, alternatingly, the funniest and saddest film of 2011 while simultaneously being the most deceptively profound. It’s a coming-of-age tale for grownups.

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Michael Leader

Den of Geek

May 3, 2024

Young Adult is easy to overlook, but once watched, it’s hard to forget.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Mar 1, 2023

2/4

As much as this film tries to be a mature, adult story, it’s still about teendom and high school hangups.

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Keith B

@Okbullard Aug 30, 2026

It was pretty well done but I'm sure I'd never want to watch it again. I've always really liked Patton Oswalt since King of Queens.

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Mike Y

@jedsuspect Jul 10, 2026

Just watched it. I'm not very good at putting my thoughts together right after I have watched a movie. Maybe by the 3rd or 4th time I start to get it but still I'm mostly confused by the emotions. Charleze was very good but movies like this, the gritty reality ones that are trying to make a statement, be artsy, wise and reality usually annoy me. I like movies with endings that resolve something hopefully in a positive manner. If not there has to be a truth that makes it complete and not just looking real. But that's me. I'm 70 and I've seen enough sadness in movies and life. It's a good movie but it's not good for me. 3 is generous. It could be great but it will never be great for me. Well maybe a dozen more viewings might help but I'm too old for that.

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Nic O

@nicost Jun 8, 2026

Love this movie. It feels real and relatable; and it does not tie everything up with a pretty ribbon at the end. It's raw, unfiltered, and often hilarious life.

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Sinister S.

@sinisterSUE Apr 22, 2026

This was a fun comedy. I like things set in the Midwest. Side note: I watched this because Patton Oswalt said he was naked in the movie, and he is not. Love you Patton. Show us your butt.

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Jeffrey P

@vanillavoodoo1 Jun 19, 2025

A story, with an unlikeable lead character with no redemption arc, that somehow works.

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Mark M

@Markmazurik Apr 12, 2025

"Young Adult" is a joyless slog through the life of an irredeemable protagonist. Theron's performance can't save this mean-spirited, emotionally stunted film that wallows in unlikability without purpose or payoff. A depressing waste of talent. 5 out of 10 🤙 from this guy.

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Jason Reitman

Director

Charlize Theron

Mavis Gary

Patton Oswalt

Matt Freehauf

Patrick Wilson

Buddy Slade

Elizabeth Reaser

Beth Slade

Jill Eikenberry

Hedda Gary

Young Adult: Official Clip - I'm An Alcoholic

1:52

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Young Adult: Official Clip - Drunken Freakout

2:09

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Young Adult: Official Clip - I Ruined My Dress

2:00

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Young Adult: Official Clip - Mavis' Jealousy

2:14

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Young Adult: Official Clip - She Made Me Invite You

1:57

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Young Adult: Official Clip - Stolen Kiss

1:48

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Young Adult: Official Clip - Hitting on Her Ex

2:13

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Young Adult: Official Clip - You're Better Than This

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Young Adult: Official Clip - You Need to Move on

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Young Adult: Official Clip - Might As Well Die

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Young Adult: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Mavis Gary (Charlize Theron) is a successful writer of teen literature who returns to her hometown with a dual mission: to relive her glory days and steal away her now-married high-school sweetheart (Patrick Wilson). However, her mission does not go exactly to plan, and she finds her homecoming more problematic than she expected. Instead, Mavis forms an unusual bond with a former classmate (Patton Oswalt), who has also found it difficult to move past high school.

Director: Jason Reitman
Producer: Lianne Halfon, Russell Smith, Diablo Cody, Mason Novick, Jason Reitman
Screenwriter: Diablo Cody
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Indian Paintbrush, Paramount Pictures, Denver and Delilah Productions, Mr. Mudd
Rating: R (Some Sexual Content|Language)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 16, 2011, Wide
Release Date (DVD): Mar 13, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $16.3M
Runtime: 1h 34m

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