Plot: What’s it about?
Adore is an interesting film about two mothers who fall for each other’s sons. Naomi Watts plays Lil, a widow who lives with her son Ian (Xavier Samuel). Ian and Tom (James Frecheville) are good friends. They all live in New South Wales. Most of their days are simple. We see the two friends go surfing together and have dinner at each other’s house. Tom’s mother Roz (Robin Wright) is good friends with Lil. Roz is married to Harold (Ben Mendelsohn), he is offered a job in Sydney. He plans to move there with Roz and Tom. Neither of the two are anxious to leave their routine, simple lives, especially now that the relationship between the four has grown into something more, something sexual. There are a few complications that arise, but those are best left for the viewer to discover. What interested me most about the film is how accepting the four of them are to each other’s relationship. Tom and Ian seem to have no problems dating each other’s mother. They go out together, sit around their house having dinner and are pretty open about things. I can’t say I agree (at all) with the things the characters do in this movie, but it did keep me interested. I stayed reasonably involved throughout it.
I am grateful that the plot is handled seriously. If the film was winking at the audience in any way, it wouldn’t work, it’d just feel awkward. There are plenty of awkward moments in this film, but it’s left to the viewers to decide how to feel. The film takes a very casual approach to things. The film opens as we see Lil and Roz many years earlier in their life and then flashes forward. They have serious, adult conversations about various things. Ian and Roz even have a conversation about aging. She mentions that it’s inevitable while he likes to think otherwise. For what it’s worth, both Wright and Watts look wonderful for their age, I’d say even better than a lot of actresses younger than them. While I did enjoy the film, it does have its problems. For one, we never see much of these character’s lives beyond their sexual activities. It’d be nice to know a little more about them. The film might’ve been a bit more successful had it showed how the relationships came between their lives and interrupted their daily routine. There may be some viewers so turned off by the basic premise that they write it off all together. Many may also grow restless with the relatively simple plot, which, admittedly is a little slow. Still, for those who give it a chance, you just might enjoy it. It features four great performances, an intriguing plot and not to mention beautiful cinematography. I didn’t love it, but it’s worth watching.
Video: How’s it look?
Paramount has done a fine job with this transfer. The film’s setting also lends itself well to the HD format. The oceanic setting is breathtaking with strong detail throughout. It felt like I was looking at a screen-saver a lot of the time. The water is clear blue and you can see straight to the bottom, the skies offer a nice contrast. There are many day scenes and night scenes and detail is consistent. The image is AVC encoded and comes with a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The entire transfer has a clean, smooth look to it and compliments the film well. I have nothing to complain about here.
Audio: How’s it sound?
The DTS HD track is also nice. Since this is not an action packed film don’t expect tons of use from the rear channels, but they do add a nice touch at times. The waves constantly splashing in the background do add a nice touch to the track. Vocals were always clear and audible. I am thankful that the track does support the film nicely, because it helps involve the viewer that much more. The music also kicks in nicely on occasion, making good use of the rear channels as well. There’s a very nice balance here. This is a fine track to accompany the film.
Supplements: What are the extras?
All we get is a digital copy code, nothing else.
