Mavis Gary is a divorced and struggling young adult fiction writer living in Minneapolis. When she receives an email announcing the birth of her high school boyfriend’s baby, Mavis impulsively decides to return to her small hometown of Mercury, Minnesota. Her plan is to win back Buddy Slade (Patrick Wilson), who is now married and a new father.
In Mercury, Mavis checks into a hotel and reconnects with her high school friend, Matt Freehauf (Patton Oswalt), who was severely injured in a hate crime in their senior year. Matt becomes Mavis’s confidant and provides a grounded perspective on her delusional plan to win back Buddy.
Mavis attends a baby-naming ceremony at Buddy’s house, where she befriends Buddy’s wife, Beth (Elizabeth Reaser). Despite Buddy’s obvious commitment to his family, Mavis remains convinced that she and Buddy are meant to be together.
As Mavis’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic and self-destructive, Matt tries to make her see the reality of the situation. However, Mavis is resistant to accepting the truth and is determined to pursue her fantasy of a perfect life with Buddy.
The climax of the film takes place at a bar where Mavis confronts Buddy about her feelings. The encounter is emotionally charged and highlights the stark contrast between Mavis’s expectations and reality. The film explores themes of delusion, self-discovery, and the challenges of moving on from the past.
The movie concludes with Mavis returning to Minneapolis, seemingly unchanged by her experiences. However, there is a subtle suggestion that she may be starting to confront some of her issues, though her future remains uncertain.
“Young Adult” received positive reviews for Charlize Theron’s performance and Diablo Cody’s screenplay. The film is praised for its dark humor and exploration of complex, flawed characters. It offers a satirical take on the conventions of both young adult literature and romantic comedies.