Young Adult

In this episode, Susan has Greg watch "Young Adult," written by Diablo Cody and directed by Jason Reitman. The stars Charlize Theron as Mavis Gary - an alcoholic and emotionally-stunted divorcee. Mavis heads back to her hometown to win back her old high school flame (Patrick Wilson) after she receives an emailed birth announcement from his wife (Elizabeth Reaser). The movie contains a stellar performance by Patton Oswalt, who plays Mavis' former classmate, Matt Freehauf. Matt, who was brutally attacked during high school by a bunch of jocks and left permanently disabled, becomes the former prom queen's drinking buddy and semi-reluctant confidante and conscience while she's in town. 

 

Greg and Susan disagree on whether or not the film should be considered a comedy. The two also explore the film's unlikeable main character and how the film masks itself as a Rom-Com but subverts expectations. Oswalt's performance is also discussed along with trivia about "Young Adult" and its box office performance.

 

Referenced sources:

https://industrialscripts.com/genius-character-reveals-young-adult/

 

https://industrialscripts.com/genius-character-reveals-young-adult/

 

https://youtu.be/1Nl6kZS2xsUYoung Adult