The art of being an adult (The King of Staten Island) is a 2020 American drama comedy film directed by Judd Apatow from a screenplay by Judd Apatow, Pete Davidson, and Dave Cyrus. The film was released in the United States on June 12, 2020.
The movie The art of being an adult is a semi-autobiographical account of the life of Pete Davidson, who plays the title role, and explores themes of loss, adulthood, and family relationships. The story combines humor with emotional moments, creating a balanced and human portrayal of the life of a young man trying to find himself.
Scott Carlston is a 24-year-old man living on Staten Island who has yet to find his way in life. After the death of his firefighter father, he remains in the shadow of his past, neglecting his responsibilities and dreams. Scott spends his days idle, smoking, and partying with friends, while his neighbors and family begin to worry about his future. When his mother starts a new relationship and his brother tries to find his own way, Scott is forced to face himself.
The story follows Scott's attempts to navigate life, cope with the loss of his father, and establish his own goals. His journey is filled with comical situations, strange encounters, and unexpected lessons about maturity, friendship, and love.
Judd Apatow uses his typical style – a balance between humor and drama. The camera follows the natural movement of the characters, and the dialogue is witty and realistic. The direction emphasizes both comic moments and quiet, emotionally charged scenes that show Scott's inner struggle. The film does not strive for complex visual solutions, but concentrates on the characters and their relationships, creating an intimate atmosphere.
Pete Davidson – like Scott Carlston, brings his naturalness and semi-autobiographical approach, combining humor and vulnerability.
Maud Apatow – as Claire, Scott's mother, who balances family relationships and her own independence.
Belle Powell – as the new girl in Scott's life, which causes emotional and comical situations.
Steve Buscemi – as Scott's brother, brings experience and wisdom to the story.
Lou Wilson – Scott's friend, adds a comic element and support to the character.
The actors manage to convey both the lightness of the comedy and the emotional depth of the characters, creating believable and human characters.
The art of being an adult is a film about loss, growth, and acceptance of responsibility. It balances comedy and drama, offering both laughter and reflection. It is a suitable title for viewers who enjoy stories about young people trying to find their place in life, and for fans of humor based on real emotions.
