The French Film That Shaped the Visual Essence of ‘The Adults’

THE BIGGER FRAME

The comedy-drama The Adults, orchestrated by Dustin Guy Defa, is an insightful tale that plunges us into the complex world of a dysfunctional family seeking to rekindle their once healthy relationships. The movie’s warm and understated visual elegance owes a nod to French classics like À Nos Amours. Within the tapestry of this film, you’ll find Eric and Rachel’s turbulent relationship as siblings at the core, with Maggie, their younger sister, playing the relentless peacemaker.

Unraveling a family saga fraught with dysfunctionality, The Adults opens a window into a story that features three siblings on a path towards compassion, understanding, and closeness. Presented as a comedy-drama, the narrative promises a roller coaster ride of emotions. In a candid discussion with Taylr Gates from FilmSweep, Dustin Guy Defa, the creative mind behind this emotional escapade, elaborated on how he skillfully drew from different movies to craft a visual masterpiece that is as distinct as it is inspiring.

Quizzed about his visual influences for The Adults, Defa remarked:

“It’s a peculiar thing, really. We were aiming for simplicity, something that felt natural. A few films crossed our path, but what lingers in my memory is this French gem À Nos Amours by Maurice Pialat. Inspecting that film, though, it’s not instantly clear how it guided us. Part of our mission was to ensure the colors and overall ambiance conveyed an approachable warmth.”

Defa went on to shed light on the genesis of his visual concept, stating, “You could see this film as a sort of love story, albeit a convoluted one. It unravels slowly between Eric and Rachel, not instantly presenting itself as a romance. We were striving for a warmth, a welcoming nature, and a simplicity in our shots that resonated with me. I wouldn’t say there was a blueprint, but we crafted it in a specific manner.”

As the narrative kicks off, Eric (portrayed by Michael Cera) embarks on a brief sojourn to his childhood town. A pang of nostalgia convinces him to extend his stay, only to face the reality of his strained relationship with his oldest sister, Rachel (Hannah Gross). They stand at a crossroads, with a lot of healing to be done before they can genuinely open their hearts to their family. Through raw dialogues and awkward scenarios, these siblings, once thick as thieves, will work to rebuild their bond.

Maggie to the Rescue

Caught between her estranged siblings, Maggie (Sophia Lillis), the youngest of the bunch, becomes the driving force to mend her fractured family. While not directly entangled in the rift, she witnessed Eric and Rachel’s gradual detachment. Time is of the essence, and Maggie must hatch a plan to heal the family before they become estranged forever. Given the emotional resonance of the film, it’s no wonder that Defa emphasized the importance of warmth and simplicity in the visual design.

For those hungry for more, FilmSweep’s interview with the cast of The Adults can be viewed at the link below. Catch a glimpse of what makes this family tick, and maybe even draw a bit of inspiration for your next awkward family dinner. No French films required!

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More about fokus keyword The Adults

• The Adults Official Trailer
• FilmSweep’s Interview with Dustin Guy Defa
• À Nos Amours – A Visual Influence
• Universal Pictures
• Profile of Michael Cera
• Profile of Hannah Gross
• Profile of Sophia Lillis