Movie Review: Loving Adults (2022) – A Twisted Tale of Love and Deceit



Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Release Date: August 26, 2022

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Director: Barbara Topsøe-Rothenborg

Cast: Dar Salim, Sonja Richter, Sus Wilkins

Runtime: 104 minutes

Language: Danish

Country: Denmark

Platform: Netflix





Introduction



Loving Adults (Kærlighed for voksne) is a 2022 Danish thriller directed by Barbara Topsøe-Rothenborg. Adapted from the novel by Anna Ekberg, the film delves into the dark complexities of a marriage marred by infidelity, manipulation, and a descent into criminality. As Netflix’s first Danish-language original film, it offers a chilling exploration of how love can turn into something far more sinister.





Plot Summary



The narrative unfolds through the perspective of Police Commissioner Holger, who recounts the story of Christian and Leonora Holm to his daughter on her wedding day. Christian, a contractor, and Leonora, a former violinist who sacrificed her career for their son Johan, appear to have a stable life. However, cracks emerge when Leonora discovers Christian’s affair with his colleague, Xenia.


Confronted, Christian attempts to end the marriage, but Leonora threatens to expose his financial misconduct, which funded their son’s medical treatments. In a desperate bid to free himself, Christian plans to murder Leonora by staging a hit-and-run. The plan goes awry, leading to a series of events that entangle both spouses in a web of deceit and further criminal acts, culminating in a shocking conclusion.





Performances



Dar Salim portrays Christian with a nuanced blend of charm and duplicity, capturing the character’s internal conflict and moral ambiguity. Sonja Richter delivers a compelling performance as Leonora, embodying a woman scorned who oscillates between vulnerability and calculated vengeance. Sus Wilkins adds depth to the role of Xenia, the unwitting catalyst in the couple’s unraveling.





Direction & Cinematography



Barbara Topsøe-Rothenborg’s direction maintains a taut atmosphere, effectively building suspense throughout the film. The cinematography captures the stark beauty of the Danish landscape, juxtaposing serene settings with the characters’ turbulent emotions. The use of lighting and composition enhances the film’s moody aesthetic, reflecting the underlying tension in the narrative.





Script & Pacing



The screenplay, adapted from Ekberg’s novel, weaves a complex tale of betrayal and retribution. While the plot offers intriguing twists, some critics have noted inconsistencies and implausible elements that challenge suspension of disbelief. The pacing is deliberate, allowing for character development, but occasionally lags, potentially diminishing the impact of key revelations.





Themes & Tone



Loving Adults explores themes of love, betrayal, and the lengths individuals will go to preserve or escape relationships. The film delves into the darker aspects of human emotion, examining how passion can morph into obsession and lead to destructive choices. The tone is somber and tense, underscoring the psychological turmoil experienced by the characters.





Reception & Accolades



The film received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 57% rating based on 4 reviews, indicating a divided response. Critics have praised the performances and visual style but have pointed out narrative shortcomings and plot holes that detract from the overall experience. Audience reactions vary, with some appreciating the film’s dark themes and twists, while others criticize its plausibility and character decisions.





Final Verdict



Loving Adults offers a gripping exploration of a marriage’s descent into darkness, propelled by strong performances and atmospheric direction. While the film presents compelling themes and suspenseful moments, narrative inconsistencies may hinder full immersion for some viewers. Nevertheless, it stands as a notable entry in Danish cinema and a bold choice for Netflix’s original content lineup.




Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 stars