Amy is naïve, awkward and anxious to get her poetry career off of the ground in a post-grad existence that is going nowhere. Living with her parents in a seemingly bland upstate New York town and desperate for income, she begrudgingly accepts a job at Adult World, the local, wood-paneled sex shop. Owned by a frisky elderly couple and staffed by diva transvestite Rubio and sweet local boy Alex, Amy balances her work amongst the pornography and sex toys by fiercely pursuing a surefire kick start for her success: a mentorship with reclusive writer Rat Billings, played by a hilarious John Cusack. Slowly, Amy’s world begins to meld with that of her co-workers, most affectingly as she and Alex strike up a flirty relationship.

Adult World takes its audience on a charming, nostalgic ride back to a time in young adulthood when you think you have all of the answers to a happy existence. Headstrong and defiant, Amy stumbles through her new life, surprised to find that not only can the people you trust break your heart but, more importantly, that inspiration and support can be found in the most improbable places.

—Liza Domnitz

Directed by

Scott Coffey