Dive into our Adore movie review for the 2013 drama starring Naomi Watts and Robin Wright. Unpack the controversial friendships, stunning Aussie beaches, and IMDb 6.2/10 verdict.
Introduction
Adore, released in 2013, weaves drama and romance into a provocative tale of forbidden desires. Directed by Anne Fontaine, it stirred buzz at Sundance for its bold premise of lifelong friends crossing lines with each other’s sons. This Adore movie review assesses if the scandalous setup delivers emotional depth.
Movie Details
Story Overview
Lifelong best friends Lil and Roz share idyllic lives in a sun-drenched Australian coastal town, raising their teenage sons Ian and Tom as brothers. As the boys mature into young men, subtle shifts in dynamics spark unexpected attractions that challenge their close-knit bonds. The narrative unfolds leisurely against beach waves and family barbecues.
Emotions swirl as personal freedoms clash with loyalty and societal norms, exploring how passion reshapes relationships. Sun-soaked settings mirror the heat of unspoken tensions. Without plot reveals, it focuses on the women’s evolving choices amid desire’s pull.
This setup invites viewers into a fable-like world of love’s complexities.
Performances & Acting Review
Naomi Watts shines as Lil, infusing vulnerability and quiet fire into her conflicted widow. Robin Wright matches her as Roz, delivering nuanced layers of joy and regret with poised intensity. Their friendship anchors the film, crackling with lived-in authenticity.
Xavier Samuel and James Frecheville hold their own as Ian and Tom, capturing youthful vigor and confusion. Ben Mendelsohn adds grounded warmth as Roz’s husband. Watts and Wright elevate the material through fearless commitment.
Chemistry pulses naturally, making taboo feel tenderly human.
Direction, Cinematography & Music
Anne Fontaine directs with elegant restraint, adapting Doris Lessing’s “The Grandmothers” into a sensual character study. Christopher Hampton’s script balances provocation with introspection. Fontaine’s touch avoids exploitation, favoring emotional nuance.
Christophe Beaucarne’s cinematography captivates with golden-hour beaches and intimate close-ups, evoking paradise’s temptations. Christopher Gordon’s score swells subtly, enhancing longing without overpowering.
Visual poetry complements the intimate tone seamlessly.
What Works Well
- Stellar Leads: Watts and Wright’s rapport sells the friendship’s depth.
- Breathtaking Locations: Aussie shores provide mesmerizing backdrop.
- Emotional Honesty: Tackles desire’s messiness without judgment.
- Subtle Sensuality: Intimate scenes feel organic, not gratuitous.
These craft a lingering, adult meditation on love.
What Could Have Been Better
Plot stretches thin, with repetition dulling the drama’s edge. Critics decry “trashy” premise straining credibility. Pacing lags in later acts, undercutting tension.
Moral ambiguities feel underexplored, leaving some arcs unresolved. Younger characters lack polish compared to stars.
Tighter scripting could sharpen its bite.
Official Trailer
Audience Reaction & IMDb Rating
Adore earns 6.2/10 on IMDb from 38K users, with Rotten Tomatoes at 33% critics and mixed audience vibes. Metacritic scores 37/100, signaling unfavorable pro takes.
Fans praise the “perceptive character study” and chemistry, loving its beachy allure. Detractors slam “absurd” plot and slow burn. Polarizing cult status endures.
Final Verdict
Adore movie review: Visually stunning showcase for Watts and Wright, marred by soapy script. Compelling for mature drama lovers; skip if plot priority. 6/10.
FAQs
What is Adore movie about?
Two best friends in Australia navigate shocking attractions to each other’s adult sons, testing friendship and desire.
Who stars in Adore 2013?
Naomi Watts as Lil, Robin Wright as Roz, with Xavier Samuel and James Frecheville as the sons.
Is Adore based on a book?
Yes, adapted from Doris Lessing’s “The Grandmothers” novella pair.
Where was Adore filmed?
New South Wales beaches like Seal Rocks, capturing raw coastal beauty.
Does Adore have nudity?
Rated R for sexual content; scenes are sensual but tasteful.
Conclusion with Call-to-Action
Adore lingers as a bold take on timeless temptations. What’s your view—scandalous or sincere? Watch the trailer now and share below. Subscribe for fresh reviews!
