Adore Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two best friends in a beach town decide aging is for losers and swap sons like trading cards, creating a complicated love square where everyone is simultaneously happy and deeply confused.

🍿 Adore: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Lifelong Friends and Their Sons

Lil and Roz have been best friends since childhood, living next door to each other in a picturesque Australian beach town. Their sons, Ian and Tom, share a similarly strong bond, spending their days surfing and enjoying their idyllic surroundings. This close-knit dynamic sets the stage for the unconventional relationships that will soon develop.

The Spark of Forbidden Romance

Roz’s husband, Harold, accepts a job in Sydney, creating tension as Roz doesn’t want to leave their coastal paradise. One evening, Ian and Roz share a kiss that leads to a passionate affair. Tom discovers this and, in a mix of confusion and revenge, initiates a relationship with Lil. The initial shock gives way to a complex web of emotions and desires.

Secret Affairs and Shifting Dynamics

The affairs continue in secret, with both women grappling with the moral implications of their relationships. Despite attempts to end things, the couples find themselves drawn back together, embracing their unconventional connections. This decision leads to a period of relative happiness, albeit one built on secrets and potential for heartbreak.

Consequences and Fallout

Years pass, and the ripple effects of the affairs begin to surface. Tom moves to Sydney and starts a relationship with Mary, leading Lil to confront her own aging and the impermanence of their dynamic. The truth eventually comes to light, shattering the carefully constructed world and leading to devastating consequences for all involved. Families are torn apart, and the once-unbreakable bond between Lil and Roz is strained.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lil (Naomi Watts): A widowed mother who engages in a forbidden relationship with her best friend’s son.
• Roz (Robin Wright): A married woman who begins a controversial affair with her best friend’s son.
• Ian (Xavier Samuel): Lil’s son who initiates a passionate affair with Roz, blurring the lines of friendship and propriety.
• Tom (James Frecheville): Roz’s son who seeks revenge and connection by engaging in a secret affair with Lil.
• Harold (Ben Mendelsohn): Roz’s husband and Tom’s father, who is largely unaware of the complex relationships developing around him.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lil: “It was just important for us to know it hadn’t gone away. That it was still alive. Christ, I felt like I would suffocate if I didn’t have it.” – Lil attempts to justify the affair, explaining that she needed to feel alive and connected.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $16,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $318,982
• Worldwide Gross: $1,575,749

💥 Adore Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ‘Adore’ is definitely one of those movies that makes you go, ‘Wait, what did I just watch?’ The premise is wild, but I was surprisingly drawn into the story. I was fascinated by these women and the choices they make. Naomi Watts and Robin Wright are so good, they almost make you understand their weird situation. Honestly, I left feeling a bit disturbed, but also like I had seen something totally unique. The ending, though… I’m still not sure what to make of it! It’s a movie that stays with you, that’s for sure.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Naomi Watts and Robin Wright”
  • “Viewers interested in unconventional relationship dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate films that challenge societal norms”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Adult themes”
  • “Suggestive situations”
  • “Implied incest (though not biologically related)”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Adore dares to explore unconventional relationships but ultimately trips over its own premise. Wright and Watts deliver compelling performances, but the plot’s absurdity overshadows their efforts. The film’s stunning visuals can’t save it from feeling strangely detached and morally ambiguous, leading to a hollow experience that struggles to resonate emotionally.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While ‘Adore’ boasts breathtaking scenery and dedicated performances from its leads, the narrative struggles to justify its controversial premise. The film attempts to examine themes of love and aging, but it often feels exploitative, relying on shock value over substance. Ultimately, the provocative concept fails to evolve into meaningful storytelling.
• RogerEbert.com: “Adore navigates its delicate subject matter with surprising grace. Watts and Wright offer nuanced performances, bringing depth to their characters. However, the film’s commitment to ambiguity can be frustrating. While it raises interesting questions about desire and social norms, it stops short of providing any satisfying answers, leaving viewers with a sense of unresolved tension.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were captivated by the stunning Australian scenery, which added an idyllic and almost dreamlike quality to the controversial storyline.: Many praised Naomi Watts and Robin Wright for their bold and nuanced performances, which brought complexity and depth to their characters.

Some found the premise disturbing, but also admired the film’s willingness to explore unconventional relationships and challenge social norms.: A few viewers appreciated the film’s exploration of female sexuality and aging, finding it refreshing and thought-provoking.

Overall Consensus: Adore is a visually stunning but controversial film that explores unconventional relationships with mixed success, sparking debate about its themes and moral implications.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the novella ‘The Grandmothers’ by Nobel Prize-winning author Doris Lessing, part of her collection of the same name.”
• “Director Anne Fontaine chose the idyllic Australian coast to emphasize the isolation and dreamlike quality of the characters’ lives.”
• “The film explores complex themes of love, desire, aging, and societal boundaries through its controversial premise.”
• “Naomi Watts also served as an executive producer on the film, demonstrating her commitment to the project.”

🖥️ How to Watch Adore?

As of today, comprehensive streaming information for ‘Adore’ is limited. You might find it available for rent or purchase on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video. Availability varies by region, so check your local providers. Keep an eye out for it appearing on streaming services like Hulu or Netflix.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Adore, you might like these similar films:

• Y Tu Mamá También (2001): Explores themes of sexuality and complex relationships during a road trip, similar to the emotional journeys in Adore.
• Summer Lovers (1982): Features a love triangle set against the backdrop of the Greek Islands, exploring the complexities of relationships and personal freedom.
• The Graduate (1967): Deals with the taboo subject of an affair between a young man and an older woman, questioning societal norms and expectations.

🛒 Adore Related Products

• The Grandmothers: Four Short Novels: A collection of short novels, including the original story that inspired the film ‘Adore’ by Doris Lessing. This edition contains “The Grandmothers”, “Victoria and the Staveneys”, “The Reason for it”, and “A Love Child”. This book offers deeper insights into Lessing’s literary style.
• Australia: Coastal Odyssey [Blu-ray]: A documentary showcasing the breathtaking coastal landscapes of Australia, including locations similar to those featured in ‘Adore’. With stunning high-definition visuals, this Blu-ray allows you to experience the beauty of the Australian coastline from the comfort of your home.
• Australian Beach House Photography Book: A compilation of stunning photography capturing the unique architecture and design of beach houses along the Australian coastline. Immerse yourself in the style featured in the movie.
• Ocean Wave Projector: Create a serene ambiance in your home with this ocean wave projector. Featuring multiple colors and modes, this projector recreates the calming atmosphere of a beach, allowing you to unwind and relax.

🎧 Soundtrack

Adore features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Beautiful Trash (Instrumental)” – performed by Lanu featuring Meg Washington

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Adore 2013 | Naomi Watts | Robin Wright | Movie Review

Ever wondered what’s the real deal with *Adore*? This review dives deep into the plot and characters, helping you decide if this controversial film is worth a watch. I found the reviewer’s take on the ending particularly insightful!

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