Adult World Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A girl who thinks she’s the next Sylvia Plath gets a reality check when she has to sell dildos for a living and her idol turns out to be a grumpy jerk.

🍿 Adult World: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Amy’s World

Amy Anderson, a recent poetry graduate, is convinced of her literary genius but faces harsh reality. Burdened by student loan debt and a lack of job prospects, she struggles to find work that aligns with her artistic aspirations. Her naivete and unwavering self-belief create comedic and often awkward situations.

The Job at Adult World

Desperate for income, Amy reluctantly takes a job at ‘Adult World,’ a local adult bookstore. This new environment throws her into a world of sexual exploration and diverse clientele, challenging her sheltered upbringing and preconceived notions. She befriends Alex, a quirky coworker who helps her navigate the store’s unique atmosphere.

Pursuing Rat Billings

Amy becomes obsessed with Rat Billings, a reclusive and cynical poet she idolizes. She relentlessly pursues a mentorship with him, often crossing boundaries and invading his personal space. Rat, initially dismissive, eventually agrees to mentor her, leading to a complicated and often humorous relationship.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Amy (Emma Roberts): A naive recent college graduate and aspiring poet who takes a job at an adult bookstore.
• Alex (Evan Peters): A charming and supportive coworker at the adult bookstore who becomes Amy’s friend.
• Rat Billings (John Cusack): A reclusive and cynical poet who becomes Amy’s reluctant mentor.
• Mary Ann (Cloris Leachman): The quirky owner of Adult World, the adult bookstore where Amy works.
• Rubia (Armando Riesco): A flamboyant and supportive transgender friend who offers Amy guidance and acceptance.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Amy: “I’m going to be a great poet.” – Amy’s unwavering belief in her potential as a poet, despite facing numerous rejections.
• Rat Billings: “Love… love until you hate. Then learn to hate your love. Then forgive your hate for loving it.” – Rat Billings gives Amy unconventional advice on love and art.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $25,368
• Worldwide Gross: $37,887

💥 Adult World Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed this movie! Emma Roberts is adorable as a naive and somewhat delusional college grad. The film has a great indie vibe, and I loved seeing her character grow and learn. It was funny, heartwarming, and surprisingly relatable. The scenes with John Cusack are gold. I especially enjoyed watching her interact with new people with different views on life than her.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of indie dramedies”
  • “Viewers interested in coming-of-age stories”
  • “Those who enjoy Emma Roberts’ or John Cusack’s work”
  • “Individuals who appreciate quirky and unconventional films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Adult themes and situations”
  • “Sexual content and references”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Discussion of suicide (implied)”

Professional Reviews

• The Awards Circuit: “Emma Roberts charms as Amy, a college grad who believes she’s destined for poetic greatness. John Cusack is equally great as the misanthropic Rat Billings. The unique characters and instances of emotional connection make this film a delightful watch. Though slightly long, Adult World is one of the best films to see.
• N/A: “Adult World is another one of those films that is actually wise and thoughtful but dressed up in stupid people’s clothes. Focuses on Amy, a poetry major who wishes she could make a living verbalizing whatever comes to her mind and carry on with a relatively safe but fulfilling life. Adult World is a film for those types of people to see – people who know what they want to be, know what they like, and have found a passion at a young age, but are tragically low on opportunities.

Audience Reactions

Emma Roberts gives a great performance.: A sweet movie with a few laughs.

Story is realistic.: A sweet movie about a girl trying to follow her dreams

Overall Consensus: Charming and relatable coming-of-age story with great performances.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot on location in Syracuse, New York, capturing the city’s winter atmosphere.”
• “Emma Roberts’ character, Amy, is a poetry major, reflecting the struggles of liberal arts graduates in a challenging job market.”

🖥️ How to Watch Adult World?

Adult World is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for cable on-demand options. While it’s not typically included in major subscription services, keep an eye on rotating movie selections on platforms like Hulu or Netflix, as their availability can change.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Adult World, you might like these similar films:

• Ghost World (2001): Both films explore the struggles of young adults navigating the transition from college to the ‘adult world’ with a satirical edge.
• High Fidelity (2000): Features a cynical protagonist working in an unusual retail environment, similar to Amy’s job at Adult World.
• Frances Ha (2012): Depicts the struggles of a young woman pursuing her artistic dreams in New York City, capturing the uncertainty and awkwardness of early adulthood.

🛒 Adult World Related Products

• Sylvia Plath: Ariel: The Restored Edition: The complete original manuscript edition of Plath’s most famous collection, the inspiration for Amy.
• Composition Notebook Wide Ruled, 6 Pack – Black Marble: Classic wide ruled notebooks for all your poetry.
• Adult World Movie Poster: Perfect for collectors.
• American Horror Story: Coven – DVD: Starring Emma Roberts and Evan Peters.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Snakes On The Ladder” – performed by Handsome Furs

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Adult times at Adult World

Ever wondered what it’s *really* like to work in a place like Adult World? This short documentary gives you a peek behind the curtain – it’s way more interesting (and sometimes awkward) than you might think!

✨ Rate