Adult Beginners
Adult Beginners is a 2014 American comedy-drama film directed by Ross Katz, written by Jeff Cox and Liz Flahive from a story by Nick Kroll, and starring Nick Kroll as a failed entrepreneur who moves in with his estranged sister (Rose Byrne) and her family after his business collapses, taking on the role of nanny to his young nephew while grappling with personal responsibility and family reconciliation.[1][2] The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2014, and received a limited theatrical release in the United States on April 24, 2015, distributed by Radius-TWC (The Weinstein Company). Running 90 minutes, Adult Beginners blends humor and heartfelt drama to explore themes of failure, maturity, and sibling bonds, with supporting performances from Bobby Cannavale as the brother-in-law, alongside cameos by actors such as Joel McHale and Jane Krakowski.[2] Produced on a modest budget, it marks Katz's feature directorial effort following his work in independent cinema and highlights Kroll's transition from comedy sketches to dramatic roles.[3] Critically, the film holds a 49% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 78 reviews, with critics praising the ensemble cast's chemistry but noting uneven pacing and predictable plotting.[1] Audience reception has been mixed, reflected in a 31% score from over 2,500 ratings, often commending its relatable family dynamics while critiquing the tonal shifts between comedy and sentimentality.[1] Despite no major awards, Adult Beginners has found a niche audience on streaming platforms like Netflix, where it emphasizes personal growth amid suburban life.[4]Synopsis
Plot
Adult Beginners follows Jake, a self-absorbed tech entrepreneur played by Nick Kroll, whose high-flying life unravels after a disastrous launch party for his startup, rife with excess and betrayal by his business associates, prompting him to flee Manhattan and seek refuge at his sister Justine's suburban home.[5] There, he encounters a family in flux: Justine (Rose Byrne), with whom he shares a strained sibling bond; her husband Danny (Bobby Cannavale), a contractor grappling with professional instability; their young son Teddy; and the looming arrival of their second child, which amplifies household tensions.[1] As Jake settles in, he becomes unexpectedly immersed in family routines, taking on childcare duties for Teddy that challenge his immature worldview and lead him to revisit unresolved grief over their mother's death.[5] These mundane responsibilities mark a turning point, fostering Jake's gradual personal development amid the everyday chaos of suburban life.[6] The story centers on intersecting conflicts that test familial bonds: Jake's perpetual adolescence collides with the weight of adult obligations, Justine's quiet sacrifices of her own career ambitions for motherhood, and Danny's vulnerabilities as job prospects dwindle in a tough economy.[5][6]Cast
The principal cast of Adult Beginners features the following actors in their respective roles:| Actor | Character | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Nick Kroll | Jake | The protagonist, a failed entrepreneur who moves in with his sister after his business venture collapses.[7] |
| Rose Byrne | Justine | Jake's overworked sister and mother facing family pressures.[7] |
| Bobby Cannavale | Danny | Justine's husband and Jake's brother-in-law, dealing with personal and professional stresses.[7] |
| Joel McHale | Hudson | Danny's brother, providing comic relief through his interactions with the family.[8] |
| Caleb Paddock and Matthew Paddock | Teddy | Justine and Danny's young son.[7] |
| Caitlin FitzGerald | Kat | Jake's ex-girlfriend. |