Director and actor Alex Winter’s film Adulthood follows siblings Meg and Noah, played by Kaya Scodelario and Josh Gad, as they uncover a disturbing family secret, triggering a chaotic effort to hide the truth. Premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and distributed by Republic Pictures and Paramount, the movie’s production journey and cast reflect Winter’s unique approach to indie filmmaking. Winter’s collaboration with James Gunn to secure Anthony Carrigan for a key part highlights his determination to elevate the film amid a challenging industry landscape.
A Stage Reunion: Winter and Keanu Reeves Perform ‘Waiting for Godot’
After decades of friendship, Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves reunited on stage in the intense play Waiting for Godot, presenting a side of their relationship closer to their true personalities than their famous ‘Bill & Ted’ roles. Winter described the physical, emotional, and mental intensity of the show, noting that despite the toll, the early energy and camaraderie with Reeves kept them going through demanding performances. With nearly 40 years of friendship behind them, they embraced this theatrical project as a meaningful departure into roles that resonate more authentically with their real selves, supported by the acclaimed director Jamie Lloyd.
The Chaotic Reality Behind Making Adulthood
Winter reveals the unpredictable and strenuous nature of independent movie production, emphasizing how making films today involves a blend of creative control and logistical hurdles. While Adulthood benefitted from deals with Republic Pictures and Paramount for distribution and marketing, its assembly followed a true indie filmmaking spirit, relying on foreign pre-sales and meticulous budgeting to bring the film to life. Winter described pre-sale negotiations as “bananas,” noting how actor attachments fluctuate wildly depending on territorial market values, and cited working around Anthony Carrigan’s schedule while shooting intense scenes early on.
According to Winter, film production is less a smooth plan than a “miracle” where each unexpected challenge can ultimately enhance the final product. Quoting Stanley Kubrick’s analogy, he likened filmmaking to
“War and Peace on a bumper car ride,”
a chaotic process requiring constant adaptation and embracing unforeseen creative discoveries made during shooting and editing.
Emphasizing Collaboration in Directing and Editing
Winter values editing as a crucial collaborative phase where a film’s story truly takes shape. Working with editor Sandy Pereira, he trusted her artistic judgment to shape Adulthood without heavy-handed direction at first, only stepping in after she completed initial passes. He maintains a disciplined approach on set, shooting with a low take count due to precise preparation, but remains flexible to capture spontaneous moments vital to storytelling. Winter praised Pereira’s ability to highlight actor Anthony Carrigan’s subtle performances in pivotal scenes, and explained how their limited shooting schedule required careful planning and intense work, including overnight shoots with child actors.
Limited Filming Time and Editing Choices Impact the Final Cut
The entire filming process took place over just 25 days, a tight timeline that allowed little room for excess footage or multiple takes. Winter shared that only two scenes were cut entirely during editing, including a diner sequence that originally showed Kaya Scodelario’s character experiencing a breakdown, but was removed to avoid over-explaining emotions already conveyed through performance. Feedback from friends, family, and professional peers informed these decisions, with Winter noting that the pacing and tonal flow often signaled when material had to be trimmed. This rigorous curation helped maintain the film’s tension and dark humor.
Anthony Carrigan’s Role: A Strategic Borrow from James Gunn’s Superman
One of the film’s highlights is actor Anthony Carrigan, who Winter describes as one of the most talented performers alive. Carrigan, familiar to Winter and Gad through previous work like Bill & Ted, was loaned by James Gunn from his commitments on Superman. Winter arranged the schedule with Carrigan’s availability in mind, shooting his scenes at the start of production despite their placement within the story, including filming the favorite diner sequence early on. Winter’s enthusiasm for Carrigan’s work underscores the director’s dedication to assembling a versatile cast capable of delivering intense performances within demanding constraints.
Alex Winter’s Personal Passions and Unseen Career Facets
Beyond directing, Winter is known for various roles and creative ventures. He nostalgically recommends watching Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey for those unfamiliar with his acting career, appreciating the film’s unique and idiosyncratic tone. Known for directing music videos for artists like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Helmet, Winter revealed a past obsession with rapid-cut editing that once caused discomfort for epileptic colleagues. His documentary work, including the acclaimed HBO film Showbiz Kids and the detailed six-year project Zappa, represents a deeply personal aspect of his career, with the latter involving extensive archive preservation funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign.
A self-described coffee fanatic, Winter detailed his passion for roasting his own beans and brewing strong, black coffee, underscoring the meticulous care he applies not only to his art but also to everyday routines. This personal side of Winter paints a fuller picture of an artist who balances chaotic, intense creative projects with intimate, meaningful rituals.
Adulthood: A Dark Comedy Embracing Chaos and Family Secrets
Adulthood combines dark humor and neo-noir elements to tell the story of two siblings confronting their past, surrounded by a cast including Billie Lourd, Ingunn Omholt, and Chris Candy. The film’s mix of sibling dynamics and escalating cover-up chaos showcases Winter’s skill in delivering complex stories with a sharp, irreverent edge. Having premiered to sold-out audiences at TIFF, the film’s reception so far bodes well for its continued success, with Winter’s industry experience and hands-on producing ensuring the project’s authenticity and impact.
