🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Noel Clarke
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Release year: 2008
- Runtime (length): 1h 39min
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10 (13K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Guy gets out of jail, everyone wants to punch him, so he punches them first but then decides violence isn’t the answer, but still punches a few more people anyway.
🍿 Adulthood: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Sam’s Release and Immediate Threat
Six years after killing Trife, Sam Peel is released from prison. He quickly realizes that life on the outside is just as dangerous as life inside. Visiting Trife’s grave, he’s attacked and warned that Trife’s friends are seeking revenge on him and his family.

Confronting the Past
Sam seeks out old acquaintances, hoping to find out who’s after him. He visits Claire, now with a new boyfriend, and learns that Moony is at university. Jay, deeply affected by Trife’s death, has become a drug dealer consumed by a need for revenge. This sets up a tense reunion and highlights the different paths taken since Trife’s death.

Alliances and Betrayals
Sam forms a bond with Lexi, a local drug addict, who assists him in his search. As Sam tries to protect his family, he faces threats from both Jay and a younger generation of criminals. His desperation grows as he struggles to find who is after him before they find him.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Sam (Noel Clarke): Newly released from prison, Sam tries to navigate his changed world while confronting the consequences of his past actions and seeking redemption.
- Jay (Adam Deacon): Consumed by grief and rage over Trife’s death, Jay seeks revenge on Sam and spirals further into a life of crime.
- Lexi (Scarlett Alice Johnson): A drug addict who befriends Sam and provides information, she is struggling with her own traumas and trying to survive.
- Moony (Femi Oyeniran): A former friend of Sam and Trife who is now a law student, Moony represents a path away from violence and regrets Sam’s past.
- Dabs (Plan B): A young criminal involved in the hunt for Sam, he embodies the next generation of violence that Sam hopes to prevent.
- Claire (Madeleine Fairley): Sam’s ex-girlfriend, now with a new boyfriend, embodies the lasting impact of Sam’s past actions on those around him.
- Hayden (Danny Dyer): Claire’s protective and confronting boyfriend serves as a physical barrier for Sam to overcome during his self-assessment.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Sam: “Are you dizzy, blood?” – Said by Sam when he finds out his brother tries to kill him.
- Jay: “This ain’t over.” – Jay says this to Sam at the end of the film, indicating the cycle of violence will continue.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: $6,611,001
💥 Adulthood Reviews
Personal Review
I remember watching this after Kidulthood and feeling a mix of emotions. It wasn’t just about the fighting; it was about Sam trying to make amends, but the streets wouldn’t let him. I really felt his struggle, especially when he meets his mom and brother. The scene where he talks to Alisa was so touching, showing that even after everything, there was still some humanity left. It made me think about second chances and how hard it is to break free from your past. Loved the soundtrack too, it really captured the mood of the film!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of British urban dramas”
- “Viewers interested in stories about redemption and consequences”
- “Those who appreciate gritty and realistic portrayals of inner-city life”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong violence”
- “Drug use”
- “Strong language”
- “Mature themes”
Professional Reviews
- The Guardian: “Clarke’s direction is sharp and fast, creating one of the finest directed British films to date. However, the dialogue feels repetitive, relying too much on slang, although the performances make up for it. A strong and realistic sequel.
- Empire: “Adulthood is a hard-hitting look at the consequences of violence, but it lacks the depth to truly resonate. Clarke’s performance is compelling, but the plot feels somewhat predictable.
- NME: “Noel Clarke delivers a raw and unflinching portrayal of life after prison. The soundtrack is as impactful as the visuals, creating an immersive experience. The film successfully highlights the cycle of violence and its devastating effects.
Audience Reactions
The raw and realistic portrayal of London street life really hit home.: Viewers appreciated the film’s honest depiction of violence, redemption, and the challenges faced by young people in urban environments.
Noel Clarke’s performance as Sam was both powerful and believable.: Many praised Clarke’s ability to convey the character’s internal struggles and transformation, making him relatable despite his past actions.
Overall Consensus: A gritty and realistic portrayal of urban life, Adulthood explores themes of violence, redemption, and the struggle to escape one’s past. While some find the plot predictable, many praise the strong performances and immersive atmosphere.
Awards
- BAFTA Awards (Rising Star)- 2009
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Noel Clarke not only starred in, but also wrote and directed ‘Adulthood’, marking his directorial debut.”
- “The film is a direct sequel to ‘Kidulthood’, continuing the stories of the same characters several years later.”
- “Danny Dyer makes a cameo appearance as Hayden, Claire’s new boyfriend, adding a recognizable face to the cast.”
- “The film explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the cyclical nature of violence within the urban environment.”
🖥️ How to Watch Adulthood?
As of today, information on where to stream or purchase ‘Adulthood’ is limited. Check streaming platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube Movies for rental or purchase options. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Adulthood, you might like these similar films:
- Kidulthood (2006): Direct prequel to ‘Adulthood’, setting up the characters and events that drive the plot.
- Brotherhood (2016): The final film in the trilogy, concluding Sam’s story and the themes explored in ‘Kidulthood’ and ‘Adulthood’.
- La Haine (1995): A French film exploring similar themes of urban unrest, police brutality, and the struggles of marginalized youth in the banlieues of Paris.
- This Is England (2006): Explores themes of youth culture, violence, and identity against the backdrop of 1980s England.
🛒 Adulthood Related Products
- Kidulthood / Adulthood / Brotherhood Trilogy [DVD]: The complete trilogy of Kidulthood, Adulthood and Brotherhood on DVD. Experience the full story of Sam Peel’s journey.
- Adulthood Movie Poster: High-quality print of the original Adulthood movie poster. Perfect for decorating any room and showing your love for the film.
- Adulthood (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Features hard-hitting Grime tracks from Bashy and others, that encapsulate the raw energy of the film. Relive the sounds of the movie with this collection of iconic tracks.
- Adulthood – Inspired Streetwear Hoodie: Adulthood inspired streetwear hoodie, designed with the film’s theme of urban survival and redemption. Wear your fandom with pride.
🎧 Soundtrack
Adulthood features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Kidulthood to Adulthood” – performed by Bashy
- “Who R U” – performed by Various Artists
- “Over Here” – performed by Maniac featuring Bashy, Ghetto & J2K
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Adulthood follows Sam Peel after his release from prison for killing Trife in ‘Kidulthood’. He faces the consequences of his actions as he tries to navigate a world filled with revenge and violence.
While ‘Adulthood’ can be watched as a standalone film, understanding the events of ‘Kidulthood’ provides crucial context for the characters’ motivations and relationships.
The main characters include Sam Peel (Noel Clarke), Jay (Adam Deacon), and Lexi (Scarlett Alice Johnson). Moony (Femi Oyeniran) also plays a significant role.
🔥 Bonus Content
Adulthood Scene Police chase and set up (Noel Clark)
Want to see a raw and intense scene from Adulthood? This police chase featuring Noel Clarke is gripping from start to finish – check it out, you won’t be disappointed!
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