'Adulthood' disappoints as a serious drama

The sequel to 'Kidulthood' opens six years after school bully Sam killed Trife.

Released from prison, Sam returns to west London, where a thug attacks him and says his days are numbered. The ex-con sets about tracking down the people he hurt, such as Trife’s girlfriend Alisa.

None of them are in a mood to absolve Sam of his sins, not least Jay, who, for a few thousand pounds, hires yobs to teach Sam a brutal lesson in forgiveness. Noel Clarke’s hard-hitting snapshot of 21st century life on the streets depicts a world dominated by sex, drugs and intimidation, where respect is earned by pummelling a rival into submission.

Unfortunately, Clarke’s ear for dialogue hasn’t improved and the performances of his co-stars feel as fake and contrived as some of the conversations.

Drama

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