True Adolescents Poster

True Adolescents 2009

★ 5.722 votes88 min📅 2009-03-14

"Get Lost."

In Craig Johnson's sharp and heartfelt comedy-drama *True Adolescents (2009)*, Mark Duplass stars as Sam, a 34-year-old musician in Seattle whose dreams of success are crumbling under the weight of financial struggles and creative frustration.

Director: Craig Johnson

Cast

Mark Duplass
Mark Duplass
Sam Bryant
Bret Loehr
Bret Loehr
Oliver Mitchell
Carr Thompson
Jake
Melissa Leo
Melissa Leo
Sharon Mitchell
Emma Dumont
Emma Dumont
Cara
Lilly Perreault
Ashley
Linas Phillips
Linas Phillips
Slater
Davie-Blue
Davie-Blue
Jericha
Snow Keim
JR
Laura Kai Chen
Laura Kai Chen
Amy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is True Adolescents (2009) about?

*True Adolescents* follows Sam, a struggling Seattle musician in his mid-30s who's forced to confront his stalled life after being kicked out of his girlfriend's place. His reluctant babysitting duties during a camping trip with his teenage cousin and friend become a mirror for his own stunted growth and unrealized dreams.

Who directed True Adolescents?

Craig Johnson directed *True Adolescents*. Known for his character-driven storytelling, Johnson crafts a film that balances comedy and drama with wit and emotional depth.

Who stars in True Adolescents?

The film stars Mark Duplass, Bret Loehr, Melissa Leo, and a talented young cast including Emma Dumont and Lilly Perreault.

Is True Adolescents (2009) worth watching?

As a dramedy with strong performances and a relatable premise, *True Adolescents* offers an engaging look at adulthood's missteps. While not a mainstream hit, its indie charm and honest storytelling make it a standout for fans of character-driven comedy.

How long is True Adolescents?

The film runs for 88 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About True Adolescents (2009) — A Gen X coming-of-age comedy with Mark Duplass

In Craig Johnson's sharp and heartfelt comedy-drama *True Adolescents (2009)*, Mark Duplass stars as Sam, a 34-year-old musician in Seattle whose dreams of success are crumbling under the weight of financial struggles and creative frustration. Cast out by his girlfriend, Sam reluctantly moves in with his aunt Sharon (Melissa Leo) and is roped into a camping trip with her teenage son and his friend—a detour that forces him to confront his own arrested development. The film blends humor with poignant realism, exploring themes of growing up, lost ambitions, and the awkward in-between of adulthood and adolescence.

Shot through with Johnson's keen eye for character dynamics, *True Adolescents* captures the awkwardness of stepping into adulthood while being pulled back by the past. Duplass delivers a nuanced performance as Sam navigates aimlessness and self-discovery, while Melissa Leo and the young cast add layers of authenticity to this offbeat coming-of-age story set against the rainy backdrop of the Pacific Northwest.