The Adam Project - Film Review

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The Adam Project is a sci-fi action-adventure film that explores time travel, family dynamics, and personal growth. Released in March 2022 on Netflix, it was directed by Shawn Levy and stars Ryan Reynolds, Walker Scobell, Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Garner, Zoe Saldaña, and Catherine Keener. With its mix of action, humour, and emotional depth, The Adam Project delivers a heartfelt story that resonates with viewers of all ages, balancing sci-fi thrills with introspective themes about forgiveness, family, and resilience.

The film is set in the near future, where time travel has become a reality but is heavily regulated due to its dangers. However, when rogue pilot Adam Reed (Reynolds) travels back to 2022 to search for his wife, Laura (Saldaña), he inadvertently crashes into his own past. In 2022, he encounters his 12-year-old self, portrayed by Walker Scobell, who is dealing with the grief of losing their father, Louis Reed (Ruffalo), a scientist who tragically passed away.

The younger Adam is a witty, somewhat awkward kid who struggles to cope with his father’s loss. Living with his mother, Ellie Reed (Garner), he’s bullied at school and often feels isolated. When the two Adams meet, their conflicting personalities lead to tension and humorous exchanges. However, their interactions soon reveal deeper layers of unresolved trauma, loss, and self-doubt.

As they get to know each other, adult Adam and young Adam set out to find Laura, who has gone missing in the past due to a conspiracy surrounding time travel. Along the way, they uncover the darker aspects of time manipulation. They learn that the technology responsible for time travel was developed by their father, Louis, who unknowingly created a tool with massive destructive potential. Adam’s journey becomes a mission not just to rescue Laura, but to confront his own past and stop the abuses of time travel.

The main antagonist is Maya Sorian (Catherine Keener), a powerful and corrupt leader who controls time travel in the future. Driven by greed and the desire to maintain her influence, she attempts to thwart Adam’s mission and maintain her control over history. In order to stop her, Adam and young Adam must find Louis and, together, alter the course of history.

Adult Adam Reed (Ryan Reynolds): The protagonist, a quick-witted, sarcastic pilot, carries emotional scars from his father’s death. His journey to the past forces him to confront unresolved issues, including his anger toward his younger self. Reynolds brings his characteristic humor to the role but also layers in vulnerability, showcasing a man grappling with grief and regret.

Young Adam Reed (Walker Scobell): The 12-year-old version of Adam is an intelligent but socially awkward kid struggling with his father’s loss. He is defensive and cynical, yet the encounter with his older self serves as a learning experience that challenges his perceptions. Scobell’s performance is impressive, especially in scenes where he mimics Reynolds’ comedic style, making the two characters feel like genuine versions of the same person.



Louis Reed (Mark Ruffalo): Louis, Adam’s father, is a brilliant scientist who unknowingly set the wheels of time travel into motion. Although he’s deeply devoted to his work, he’s also portrayed as a loving but somewhat distant father. Louis’ invention becomes the foundation of the time travel technology that future corporations exploit. His relationship with Adam provides the emotional core of the film, as both versions of Adam grapple with their complex feelings toward him.

Ellie Reed (Jennifer Garner): Adam’s mother, Ellie, is depicted as a compassionate and patient parent, struggling to keep the family together after Louis’ death. She is unaware of the incredible journey her son embarks on, but her love and resilience provide him with the stability he needs. Garner’s performance brings warmth to the role, grounding the film’s more fantastical elements in relatable family dynamics.

Laura (Zoe Saldaña): Laura, Adam’s wife, is a fierce and determined fighter who goes missing in the past due to her opposition to the manipulation of time travel. Her relationship with Adam reveals another dimension of his character, as his love for her becomes a driving force behind his mission. Saldaña brings depth to the character, embodying both strength and tenderness.

Maya Sorian (Catherine Keener): The film’s primary antagonist, Sorian is a powerful and ruthless figure in the future, driven by her ambition and desire to control time. Her character serves as a critique of unchecked power, as she manipulates the technology created by Louis for her own gain. Keener portrays Sorian with a cold determination, making her a formidable foe for Adam.

At its heart, The Adam Project is a story about reconciliation with oneself and the importance of family. The film uses time travel as a metaphor for personal growth, allowing Adam to confront his younger self and address the unresolved grief and pain he has carried for years. This theme of forgiveness—both toward oneself and others—drives the narrative and gives it emotional weight.

The relationship between adult Adam and young Adam serves as a unique lens to explore the challenges of childhood and the ways in which traumatic events shape personality. By facing his younger self, adult Adam is forced to confront his own self-loathing and regret. This journey of self-acceptance is complemented by his reconciliation with his father, as he realizes that Louis was not perfect but did his best to provide for his family.

Another central theme is the ethical responsibility of scientific advancement. Louis’s invention of time travel, while ground-breaking, is shown to have dangerous consequences. The film raises questions about how technology should be regulated and the dangers of unchecked corporate control. Maya Sorian represents the misuse of power, serving as a reminder that innovation without accountability can lead to exploitation and corruption.

Cinematographer Tobias Schliessler brings a dynamic look to the film, combining futuristic technology with grounded, naturalistic visuals. The scenes set in lush forests and suburban neighbourhoods offer a stark contrast to the high-tech settings of the future, creating a visual distinction between different time periods.

The action sequences are well-executed, balancing spectacle with clarity. Whether it’s high-speed chases or hand-to-hand combat, the scenes are meticulously choreographed and filmed in a way that feels immersive without overwhelming the viewer. The use of CGI to depict futuristic technology and spaceships is also well-integrated, blending seamlessly with the live-action footage.

Much of the film’s humour comes from the banter between adult Adam and young Adam. Their interactions reflect the familiar style of Ryan Reynolds, filled with sarcasm, quick-witted remarks, and self-deprecating humour. Young Adam’s mimicry of Reynolds’ comedic style is both entertaining and believable, making the two feel like different sides of the same coin.

The film’s tone manages to balance light-heartedness with emotional depth, blending the thrills of a sci-fi adventure with heartfelt moments that focus on family and growth. While it doesn’t shy away from moments of sadness or loss, it never feels overly heavy or dark. This balance makes The Adam Project accessible to both younger audiences and adults, appealing to anyone who enjoys a story about second chances and self-discovery.

The Adam Project received generally positive reviews, with critics praising the film’s emotional core, visual effects, and performances. Ryan Reynolds and Walker Scobell’s chemistry was frequently highlighted, as was the film’s ability to tackle complex themes without sacrificing its sense of fun. While some reviewers noted that the storyline could feel predictable, the film’s heart and humour helped it stand out.

Audiences responded positively to the film’s nostalgic elements, as The Adam Project echoes classic family sci-fi movies like E.T., Back to the Future, and The Goonies. These influences are evident in the film’s blend of high-stakes adventure and heartfelt family moments, creating a sense of timelessness. The film’s success on Netflix further demonstrates the platform’s ability to create blockbuster-style movies with broad appeal.

The Adam Project serves as a reflection on how trauma and loss shape identity. Adult Adam’s bitterness and anger stem from his unresolved grief over his father’s death, which has coloured his life and relationships. By returning to his past, he learns to forgive both himself and his father, realizing that the path to healing involves accepting the imperfections in those we love.

The film’s treatment of time travel differs from many other sci-fi films, as it’s less concerned with the mechanics and more focused on the impact of choices. Rather than presenting time travel as a way to fix mistakes, The Adam Project suggests that growth comes from accepting and learning from those mistakes. This philosophical take on time travel aligns with the film’s themes of forgiveness and personal growth.

The Adam Project is a thoughtful, entertaining film that combines sci-fi adventure with a touching exploration of family and self-acceptance. With engaging performances, especially from Reynolds and Scobell, and a well-crafted balance of humour, action, and emotional depth, the movie resonates on multiple levels. Shawn Levy’s direction brings together nostalgia, visual spectacle, and heartfelt storytelling, making The Adam Project a standout in Netflix’s line-up of original films.

Though it may not revolutionize the sci-fi genre, The Adam Project excels as a family-friendly film that offers both excitement and introspection. Its messages about forgiveness, the complexities of family relationships, and the courage to face one’s past give it an enduring appeal, making it a memorable addition to contemporary sci-fi cinema.

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