Backdrop preview Adjacent backdrop
Adjacent

Adjacent (2019)

Dec 11, 2019 13m Comedy Drama

A short film about a group of gay men's typical Saturday night out on the town. This story shows us how overly sexualized the gay community is and how normal it has become to idolize sex and men. But when a horrific sexual experience occurs it can sometimes be difficult to decipher between what is normal and what is a violation.

Directed by Paul McGovern Jr.

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • Paul McGovern Jr.
  • Michael Henry
Writer
  • Michael Henry

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Adjacent examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Paul McGovern Jr. brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Adjacent took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 13 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 67 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 2019, when this film is released:
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Adjacent shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Thirst, which focuses more on action than character development, Adjacent subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Life and Death of Monty Jubei and Bridge the Gap explore similar territory, Adjacent stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: December 11, 2019
  • Runtime: 13m