Adult Life Skills

Adult Life Skills is a British comedy-drama film directed by Rachel Tunnard and released in 2016. The film tells the story of Anna, a 29-year-old woman who is struggling to come to terms with the death of her twin brother and is having a hard time adulting.

Jodie Whittaker plays the lead role of Anna, a quirky and introverted woman living in her mother's shed, which she has turned into a fort. Anna spends her days making silly videos with her thumbs and working at a local boating lake, where she is constantly nagged by her boss Brenda, played by Lorraine Ashbourne. Anna's life changes when her best friend, Fiona, announces she is getting married and Anna must give up her fort and start living a more adult life.

The first half of the movie brings in a deep sense of anxiety with Anna's role in her adult life taking the forefront. Jodie's performance brings out the eccentric, quirky yet lovable nature of Anna that is both relatable and endearing. Her attempts to come to terms with the loss of her brother, focusing on the memories, interactions with the people around and the centering of a hobby as a coping mechanism demonstrate the manner in which someone can cope with loss and the relief it can bring.

As Anna struggles to make sense of her life and deal with the grief that she has buried deep inside, she meets Clint, played by Brett Goldstein, a charismatic cowboy who is renovating a house in her village. Clint becomes Anna's unlikely ally, and they embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing as they explore their different ways of coping with grief.

As the story progresses, the movie brings in the darker elements of Anna's grief and the effects it has had on her relationships. She continues to isolate herself from the outside world, refusing to grow up or take on adult responsibilities, forcing those around her to struggle to understand the root of Anna's isolation.

The film's humor arises from its witty exchanges between Anna and Clint, who end up forming an unlikely yet endearing relationship that helps both of them to address their respective issues. The two characters, despite their eccentricities, bring in the necessary impression of hope and a sense of relief.

The cinematography of Adult Life Skills is beautifully executed, showcasing the picturesque North Yorkshire landscapes, complemented with Anna's child-like view of the world. This, coupled with the music and the light-hearted tone that it adds to the characters' lives, creates a sense of comfort amidst the grief and hardship.

Overall, Adult Life Skills is an entertaining movie that explores grief in a unique and relatable way. With its quirky characters, beautiful landscapes, and humorous moments, the movie brings a refreshing perspective on what it means to be an adult and the difficulties that come with the loss of a loved one.