Adult Life Skills

Adult Life Skills is a 2016 British comedy-drama film, written and directed by Rachel Tunnard, and starring Jodie Whittaker of Doctor Who fame, Lorraine Ashbourne and Brett Goldstein. It’s a heartwarming, quirky and understated film that explores the themes of grief, self-discovery and coming of age at a slightly later than typical stage in life.

Jodie Whittaker embodies the character of Anna, a thirty-year-old woman who lives in her mother’s garden shed, located in rustic England. She’s in the throes of a quarter-life crisis, a relatable aspect that gives the film its central appeal. The shed isn't merely for residing, it also acts as her creative hub where she makes videos using her thumbs as characters, a playful concept which provides sardonic humour throughout the course of film.

The movie quickly establishes that Anna is approaching her 30th birthday, a deadline set by her mother Marion, played by Lorraine Ashbourne, for her to move out and face grown up responsibilities. Meanwhile, Marina’s long-standing friend Brendan, portrayed by Brett Goldstein, demonstrates his affection towards her through small gestures, adding a subtle romantic undertone to the storyline.

Another key character is Anna’s eight-year-old neighbour, Clint, who is dealing with his own personal loss and seems to mirror Anna’s immaturity, but in the innocent excuse of his age. A friendship naturally evolves between him and Anna, painting an important subplot of the movie.

Throughout the narrative, we come to understand that there's more to Anna's reluctance to launch into adulthood than mere immaturity – she is inhibited by pain from a past tragedy involving her twin brother. She lives in a cycle of nostalgia, finding comfort in her childhood memories and the solitude that the shed provides. Her creation of thumb videos is a poignant representation of her trapped inner-child using her most raw form of self-expression.

As Anna interacts with other people in her life like her supportive grandma, her pregnant sister, her overly concerned mother, the forthright estate agent and the various other interesting characters that step into her realm, she begins to question her existence in the emotional cocoon she created for herself. This character-driven film reveals a thorough exploration of Anna’s emotions, through the lens of humor and drama combined eloquently.

The direction of Rachel Tunnard displays a deep understanding and empathy with the character of Anna. The film does not push for an assertive narrative rather it let’s Anna figure it out just like in real-life situations, making the essence of the film very relatable to audiences. Adult Life Skills is surely a strong feature debut from Tunnard, one that enables audiences to empathize with, and root for, Anna as she manages to navigate through life's hardships.

Whittaker delivers an engaging performance, nailing the blend of comedy and drama in Anna’s character with aplomb. She is complemented by a stellar supporting cast, each contributing to the richness of this layered film.

The film’s technical aspects, such as the cinematography and sound, set the perfect tone for this offbeat narration. The scenic landscapes and the interspersed scenes of Anna’s thumb videos amalgamate effortlessly with the narrative, setting a distinctive visual signature.

Adult Life Skills provides a fresh take on coming-of-age films and speaks to an audience that is all too familiar with the pressures and expectations that come with turning 30. It successfully intertwines the themes of friendship, family, loss, love, hope and the struggle of moving towards the uncomfortable territories of adulthood with a rare sense of credibility.

Overall, 'Adult Life Skills' turns out to be an endearing film that manages to leave a lasting impression. Despite its slow-burning narrative, it masterfully encapsulates the underlying human emotions, self-discovery and the serendipity involved throughout unexpected life-turns. It quietens the noise of the typical coming of age dramas, allowing an authentic, thoughtful and quietly impactful movie to unfurl. Ah, it also includes a bit about Apollo 11, but you have to watch the film to find out about that.