Appropriate Adult: Season 1
Metascore
77 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    Dec 9, 2011
    83
    The movie goes on a bit too long, but it makes up for it with finely tuned performances.
  2. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Robert Lloyd
    Dec 9, 2011
    80
    Well made and never boring--the director is Julian Jarrold ("Becoming Jane")--Appropriate Adult is a first-class example of what British filmmakers do well when they are not trying to look like American filmmakers.
  3. Philadelphia Daily News
    Reviewed by: Ellen Gray
    Dec 9, 2011
    80
    [A case] that's gradually revealed to be more and more horrific. The only thing that makes watching this story unfold even slightly bearable are West and Watson's performances.
  4. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Dec 9, 2011
    80
    Appropriate Adult is a psychologically harrowing character study of emotional manipulation against a backdrop of utter depravity.
  5. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Dec 8, 2011
    80
    Appropriate Adult will hardly be everyone's cup of tea (or coffee), but it's such a formidable showcase for its leads as to merit the opportunity to reach a discriminating audience.
  6. RedEye
    Reviewed by: Curt Wagner
    Dec 9, 2011
    75
    A grisly tale, feuled by West's mesmerizing performance.
  7. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Mike Hale
    Dec 9, 2011
    70
    Ultimately it's a fairly standard TV movie, if an overly long one, ending on a note of sentimental affirmation and, luckily, offering one outstanding central performance.
  8. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Dec 9, 2011
    70
    A gripping tale of police investigation and a criminal's mischief-making.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 2 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. bcrowan
    8
    The Metacritic assesment is incorrect as this film is nowhere near "Action/Adventure." Further, West was not deemed mentally incompetent, but rather illiterate. "Appropriate adults" are used in many instances in the UK to ensure proper procedure is followed and often when a suspect has a low education level; he need not be medically declared incompetent as suggested. That said, the film is superbly disturbing and well-acted. It is quote controversial as there are frequent dramatizations and Janet's character is clearly amerliorized, with the assistance of the real woman; however, they do not take away the impact of the interesting storytelling and nuanced performances.… Full Review »
  2. lilkillpappy
    10
    Great movie, full of depth, and made with respect for its subject matter. The fact that its based upon true events makes it even more creepy. The acting was academy award worthy, and its thick realistic atmosphere made for a very disturbing experience, and I liked it. Some might say it's slow moving, but if you really appreciate its atmosphere, and the fact that they are trying to tell you a real story, I'm sure its pace will be just fine. Plus it's full of sick and twisted, truly unexpected surprises, so what else could you want in a movie?… Full Review »