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Even under the best of circumstances, relationships take a whole lot of work. But the circumstances for Adam Raki (Hugh Dancy) have never really been all that great—because Adam struggles with Asperger syndrome, a disorder that makes it difficult for him to interact with other people. For most of his life, he’s had his father to look out for him—but now his father’s gone, and Adam’s on his own.
Adam’s new neighbor, Beth (Rose Byrne), is on her own, too. An aspiring children’s author who’s recently broken up with her cheating boyfriend, she’s taken a teaching job down the street to make ends meet. When she meets Adam, she finds him intriguing—and she appreciates his childlike fascination with the world around him. He’s not like other guys—and she soon finds out why.
Though Adam doesn’t really know how to be in a relationship, Beth makes him want to figure it out. And, as it turns out, she may need him just as much as he needs her.
Adam is a different kind of love story—with a different kind of romantic lead. Dancy handles the role just as he should: with sweetness and endearing awkwardness. And, for the most part, he does it all without overplaying the character’s differences. Though Adam has his moments when his challenges become too much for him to handle, most of the time, he’s just a bit clumsy. He tends to talk much too long about telescopes and microchips. He asks uncomfortable questions. And he blurts things out for no apparent reason. But you don’t have to have Asperger’s to be socially awkward. There’s a bit of that awkwardness and insecurity in all of us—the confusion and frustration, too. So, deep down, Adam isn’t really all that different from the rest of us—and that makes his story both accessible and inspiring.
It’s also refreshing to see that most of the characters handle Adam’s disorder with kindness and consideration. They don’t treat him like a joke—or an idiot. And though some of the characters are understandably unsure of how to communicate with him, most give him the respect that he deserves—and the patience that he needs. Even Beth takes the time to understand him and his needs before considering a relationship with him. Then she tries to help him instead of trying to fix him. And that’s something that you rarely find in the typical chick flick.
But Adam isn’t just another love story. It tells a poignant and surprising story of friendship and respect—and the people who touch your life just when you need them the most. It may be a bit too sappy for some, but it’s also thoughtful and full of heart.
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