A.C.O.D. Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A guy whose parents are still fighting from their divorce has to deal with them again when his brother gets married, then finds out his therapist was just using him for a book, so now he’s extra messed up. It’s messy family business.

🍿 A.C.O.D.: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Carter’s Seemingly Normal Life

Carter (Adam Scott) appears to have it all together. He owns a successful restaurant and has a stable relationship with his girlfriend, Lauren (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). However, beneath the surface lies a history of dealing with his parents’ acrimonious divorce, which has shaped his views on relationships. His carefully constructed world is about to be disrupted.

The Wedding Announcement

Carter’s younger brother, Trey (Clark Duke), announces his engagement to Kieko. This news forces Carter to confront his biggest challenge: getting his divorced parents, Hugh (Richard Jenkins) and Melissa (Catherine O’Hara), to be in the same room without causing a scene. The prospect of managing their animosity throws Carter’s life into disarray.

A Shocking Discovery

Seeking help, Carter revisits his childhood therapist, Dr. Judith (Jane Lynch). He then discovers that his therapy sessions were actually part of a case study for Dr. Judith’s best-selling book, ‘Children of Divorce.’ The revelation shakes Carter’s understanding of his past and his sense of self. Now Dr. Judith is interested in doing a follow-up study and wants Carter to be a part of it.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Carter (Adam Scott): A seemingly well-adjusted adult child of divorce who is forced to confront his parents’ ongoing conflict when his brother gets married.
• Hugh (Richard Jenkins): Carter’s philandering father, who maintains a bitter rivalry with his ex-wife.
• Melissa (Catherine O’Hara): Carter’s combative mother, who has held a grudge against her ex-husband for years.
• Dr. Judith (Jane Lynch): Carter’s childhood therapist who is revealed to be an author using her patients as subjects for her books on divorced children.
• Sondra (Amy Poehler): Hugh’s much-younger wife, who adds another layer of complexity to Carter’s already complicated family dynamics.
• Lauren (Mary Elizabeth Winstead): Carter’s girlfriend who is patiently waiting for Carter to commit despite his family issues.
• Trey (Clark Duke): Carter’s younger brother whose wedding plans trigger the rekindling of his parents’ feud.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dr. Judith: “Divorce is like a Superfund site. You can clean it up all you want, but there’s always going to be some kind of mutation.” – Dr. Judith explains the long-lasting effects of divorce on children to Carter.
• Carter: “Them together is bad for everyone, especially me.” – Carter expresses his fear of his divorced parents being in the same room, highlighting his role as a buffer.
• Melissa: “Oh, Hugh, you haven’t changed a bit. Still the same old passive-aggressive jerk.” – Melissa instantly reverts to conflict with Hugh, showcasing their enduring animosity.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5 million
• Domestic Gross: $175,705
• Worldwide Gross: $175,705

💥 A.C.O.D. Reviews

Personal Review

I went into A.C.O.D. expecting a laugh riot with that cast, and while it had its moments, it was surprisingly more introspective than I thought it would be. Adam Scott is so relatable as the guy just trying to keep his family from imploding, and seeing Catherine O’Hara and Richard Jenkins as the warring parents was comedy gold. The scene where he finds out about the therapist book was a gut punch, though. It made me think about how much family stuff shapes you, whether you like it or not.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Adam Scott”
  • “Viewers interested in family comedies”
  • “Adults who can relate to the challenges of divorced parents”
  • “Fans of ensemble casts”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Divorce themes”
  • “Adult language”
  • “Brief sexual content”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “A.C.O.D. boasts a stellar cast, but struggles to balance its comedic and dramatic elements. Adam Scott shines as the relatable protagonist, while O’Hara and Jenkins deliver delightfully acerbic performances as the divorced parents. However, the film’s message gets muddled amidst the chaos, leaving a somewhat unsatisfying experience.
• Variety: “Despite a talented ensemble, A.C.O.D. fails to fully capitalize on its premise. While there are moments of genuine humor, the film often veers into sitcom territory, lacking the depth needed to resonate with audiences on a deeper level. The performances are solid, but the material doesn’t quite live up to their potential.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A.C.O.D. has a great cast, and premise, but struggles to find the right tone. Is it a comedy, or a drama? The script can’t quite decide.

Audience Reactions

Catherine O’Hara and Richard Jenkins steal every scene as the hilariously dysfunctional parents.: Most viewers praise the strong performances of the cast, particularly O’Hara and Jenkins, but are split on whether the movie is more comedic or dramatic.

Adam Scott’s performance really makes you feel for his character, caught between his crazy family.: Many viewers found the film relatable, especially if they are also children of divorce, but some expected more outright laughs.

Overall Consensus: A.C.O.D. features a talented cast and an interesting premise, but struggles to balance its comedic and dramatic elements, resulting in a mixed reception.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “A.C.O.D. is a semi-autobiographical film loosely based on co-writer/director Stuart Zicherman’s own experiences as an Adult Child of Divorce. He also helped mediate conflicts between his divorced parents when his sibling got married.”
• “The film includes testimonials from real-life Adult Children of Divorce during the end credits, adding a layer of authenticity to the story.”
• “Adam Scott and Richard Jenkins, who play son and father in this movie, previously worked together as stepbrothers in the comedy film ‘Step Brothers’.”

🖥️ How to Watch A.C.O.D.?

A.C.O.D. is currently available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability as offerings may change. Some services may offer a free trial period for new subscribers, allowing you to watch the movie for free during the trial.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed A.C.O.D., you might like these similar films:

• The Kids Are All Right (2010): Explores complex family dynamics and the impact of unconventional parenting on adult children.
• Step Brothers (2008): Reunites Adam Scott and Richard Jenkins in another comedic exploration of dysfunctional family relationships.
• While We’re Young (2014): Noah Baumbach film with similar themes of adulthood anxieties and relationship dynamics.

🛒 A.C.O.D. Related Products

• Parks and Recreation: The Complete Series: Relive Amy Poehler’s and Adam Scott’s most hilarious moments together. Stream all seasons on Amazon Prime Video and watch their dynamic duo shine in Pawnee, Indiana.
• Step Brothers (Unrated): Watch the Unrated version featuring Adam Scott and Richard Jenkins! This outrageous comedy will leave you in stitches.
• Catherine O’Hara Signed Autograph Home Alone Movie Poster: Own a piece of comedic history with this autographed poster. Features Catherine O’Hara from the classic movie Home Alone. Perfect for collectors and fans.
• Divorce Sucks: What to Do When Buildings Crumble, Marriages Implode, and People Just Stand There: Practical guidance and humorous insights on navigating the complexities of divorce. Perfect for anyone dealing with the realities of separation.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Eeny Meany” – performed by Jim Noir

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Adam Scott’s Dong-Friendly Movie Poster | CONAN on TBS

Ever wonder what actors *really* think about their movie posters? Adam Scott’s reaction to the ‘A.C.O.D.’ poster on Conan is hilarious! Honestly, I never noticed what he points out, but now I can’t unsee it. You HAVE to watch this!

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