Navigating The Maze: Understanding The World Of Adulting Films
The concept of "adulting" has permeated our modern lexicon, capturing the essence of what it means to grapple with the responsibilities and realities of independent life. It's a term that resonates deeply with young adults and those transitioning into full-fledged adulthood, often encapsulating the seemingly mundane yet crucial tasks that define maturity. From managing finances to maintaining a household, "adulting" encompasses the myriad of activities necessary to simply exist as a responsible grown-up. But beyond the daily grind, this universal experience has found a compelling mirror in popular culture, giving rise to a distinct and increasingly popular genre: the "adulting film."
These cinematic narratives, whether on the big screen or streaming platforms, delve into the trials, tribulations, and occasional triumphs of characters navigating the often-treacherous currents of post-collegiate life. They explore the messy realities of careers, relationships, financial independence, and the relentless quest for self-discovery in a world that rarely offers a clear roadmap. This article will unpack the meaning of "adulting" as a concept, explore its manifestation in the "adulting film" genre, and highlight how these stories not only entertain but also provide a sense of shared experience and guidance for audiences worldwide.
Table of Contents:
- What Exactly is "Adulting"? Defining the Modern Rite of Passage
- The Rise of the "Adulting Film" Genre: A Cinematic Mirror
- "Adulting": A Deep Dive into Showmax's Beloved Series
- Why Adulting Films Resonate: Relatability and Catharsis
- Navigating Real-Life Adulting: Lessons from the Screen
- The Future of Adulting Cinema: Evolving Narratives
- Conclusion: Embracing the Adulting Journey
What Exactly is "Adulting"? Defining the Modern Rite of Passage
The term "adulting" has become a ubiquitous part of contemporary slang, particularly among millennials and Gen Z. Its origins are often attributed to American writer Kelly Williams Brown, who is widely credited with coining the term [1][2][3][4]. While initially a somewhat tongue-in-cheek descriptor, it has evolved into a widely understood concept. At its core, "adulting" refers to the context of tasks and activities that are necessary to carry out in order to live an independent life [5][6]. It's about taking on the mantle of responsibility, often for the first time, in a way that goes beyond merely reaching a certain age.
More specifically, the meaning of adulting is defined as the act or practice of attending to the ordinary tasks required of a responsible adult. This behavior often involves meeting the mundane demands of independent and professional living, such as paying bills, running errands, cooking for oneself, managing appointments, and generally keeping one's life in order. It's about engaging in activities associated with adulthood, behaving in an adult manner, and embracing the characteristics that define maturity. If you’re adulting, this often involves necessary tasks to survive, distinguishing actions and behavior that are considered typical of adults, not children or young people.
The term encapsulates the sometimes overwhelming, sometimes tedious, but always essential duties that come with being a grown-up. It's not just about having a job or a place to live; it's about the consistent, often unsung effort required to maintain that independence. For many, the transition into this phase can feel daunting, prompting questions like, "Does adulting seem daunting to you? Not sure where to begin?" The very existence of such questions highlights the universal nature of this challenge, making it a rich subject for exploration in various forms of media, including the burgeoning "adulting film" genre.
The Rise of the "Adulting Film" Genre: A Cinematic Mirror
As the concept of "adulting" gained traction in everyday conversation, it was only a matter of time before it found its way into the narratives we consume. The "adulting film" genre has emerged as a powerful cinematic mirror, reflecting the unique struggles and triumphs of young people navigating the often-unforgiving landscape of early adulthood. These films and television series capture the essence of what it means to step out of the structured environments of education and into the vast, unpredictable world of independent living. Unlike traditional coming-of-age stories that typically conclude with graduation or a first taste of independence, adulting films delve deeper into the sustained, day-to-day realities that follow.
Beyond Coming-of-Age: The Nuances of Adulting Narratives
It's crucial to distinguish the "adulting film" from its predecessor, the coming-of-age story. While both genres deal with growth and transition, their focal points differ significantly. Coming-of-age narratives usually center on adolescence, first loves, identity formation in high school, and the anticipation of future independence. They often culminate with a pivotal moment like high school graduation, leaving the audience with a sense of hopeful possibility for what lies ahead. An adulting film, however, picks up precisely where the coming-of-age story leaves off.
These narratives explore the post-university or early career phase, a period often characterized by disillusionment, financial precarity, and the harsh realization that adulthood isn't quite the glamorous picture painted in earlier films. Characters in adulting films are typically in their twenties or early thirties, grappling with the "treacherous currents of adulthood" without the safety net of college or parental support. They are past the point of simply discovering who they are; now, they must figure out how to *be* that person in a world that demands rent, bills, and a coherent career path. This shift in focus allows for a more nuanced and often grittier portrayal of personal growth, where success is measured not just by self-discovery, but by the ability to manage the mundane and overcome everyday challenges.
Common Thematic Elements in Adulting Films
The "adulting film" genre thrives on a set of recurring themes that resonate deeply with its target audience. These themes often mirror the very struggles that define real-life adulting:
- Financial Independence and Precarity: A central pillar of many adulting narratives is the struggle with money. Characters often grapple with student loan debt, low-paying entry-level jobs, the high cost of living, and the daunting task of budgeting. Paying bills, saving for the future, and simply making ends meet become significant plot drivers.
- Career Uncertainty and Job Hunting: The dream job rarely materializes straight out of college. Adulting films frequently depict the frustrating cycles of job applications, disappointing interviews, and the existential dread of not knowing what one wants to do with their life, or how to get there.
- Navigating Complex Relationships: Friendships evolve, romantic relationships become more serious (or fall apart), and family dynamics shift as young adults try to forge their own path. These films explore the challenges of maintaining bonds while pursuing individual goals, dealing with heartbreak, and figuring out what healthy adult relationships look like.
- Housing Challenges: From cramped shared apartments to the elusive dream of homeownership, finding and maintaining a living space is a constant hurdle. Roommate dramas, eviction scares, and the sheer cost of rent are common scenarios.
- Self-Discovery and Identity Formation (Round Two): While coming-of-age stories focus on initial identity formation, adulting films often present a second, more profound phase of self-discovery. Characters confront who they truly are outside of academic or parental expectations, often leading to moments of crisis, reinvention, and a deeper understanding of their values and aspirations.
- The Feeling of Being Overwhelmed: Perhaps the most universal theme is the sheer feeling of being overwhelmed. The constant barrage of responsibilities, the pressure to succeed, and the realization that life doesn't come with a manual can lead to anxiety and existential angst. The question "Does adulting seem daunting to you?" is often answered with a resounding "yes" by the characters on screen, providing catharsis for viewers who feel the same way.
These elements combine to create narratives that are not just entertaining, but also deeply relatable, offering a sense of solidarity to those embarking on their own adulting journeys.
"Adulting": A Deep Dive into Showmax's Beloved Series
When discussing the "adulting film" genre, it's impossible to overlook the highly popular and critically acclaimed South African series titled "Adulting," which has become a flagship example of this narrative trend. Originally airing on Showmax, this spicy show has captivated audiences with its authentic portrayal of modern urban life and the challenges faced by young adults. Its success has even led to its availability for streaming on Amazon MiniTV for free, broadening its reach and cementing its status as a significant cultural touchstone.
The series has enjoyed immense popularity, with Showmax's beloved drama series, ‘Adulting,’ making its triumphant return for season 2, and then again for its third and final season, which premiered on February 1, 2025, with its final episode airing on March 22, 2025. This consistent demand for new seasons underscores the deep connection audiences feel with its characters and themes. The show is celebrated for its ability to deliver "steamy scenes, unfiltered chaos chaos and of course more drama," ensuring viewers are constantly engaged with the unfolding lives of its protagonists.
The Story and Characters of "Adulting"
At its heart, "Adulting" is a compelling coming-of-age story, albeit one set firmly in the post-university phase. It follows four varsity friends whose strong bond has held them together even as their journeys in life have taken them in very different directions. Set against the vibrant and often challenging backdrop of Johannesburg, the series explores the parallel universes of these four friends as they try to find love and success after university. Their collective struggle and individual quests for meaning resonate deeply with anyone who has navigated the complexities of early adulthood.
The core cast, featuring Thembinkosi Mthembu as Bonga, Luthando ‘Bu’ Mthembu as Vuyani, Thabiso Rammusi as Mpho, and Nhlanhla Kunene as Eric, is back in action across all seasons, ready to take fans on another entertaining journey through the ups and downs of modern life. Each character embodies a different facet of the adulting experience:
- Bonga: Often grappling with ambition and the pressures of career progression.
- Vuyani: Navigating complex romantic relationships and personal growth.
- Mpho: Dealing with the realities of professional life and self-discovery.
- Eric: Embarking on a journey of personal liberation and finding his place.
Their individual storylines often intertwine, highlighting the importance of their bromance and mutual support. For instance, a memorable plotline sees the boys head off to Sun City to celebrate Eric's birthday, where they meet four beautiful women, and things get wild. Later, Bonga and Vuyani compete for the affection of a girl while Mpho finds his own path, showcasing the drama, camaraderie, and sometimes messy reality of their lives. The show beautifully captures the sentiment, "Sometimes life is tough mara amagents akhona, Sikhala sonke, sigroover sonke and sipusha sonke" – a powerful expression of shared struggle and collective resilience, meaning "life is tough but the guys are here, we cry together, groove together, and push together." This encapsulates the show's spirit of solidarity amidst the chaos of adulting.
The Creative Force Behind "Adulting": Phathu Makwarela
The authenticity and depth of "Adulting" are largely due to the visionary talent behind the scenes. Phathu Makwarela is responsible for both the writing and the creative direction of the series, a testament to his profound understanding of contemporary South African youth culture and the universal themes of adulting. His narrative prowess allows the show to tackle sensitive subjects with nuance, humor, and raw honesty, making the characters and their struggles feel incredibly real and relatable.
Makwarela's commitment to portraying the unvarnished realities of post-university life in Johannesburg, from the excitement of new beginnings to the crushing weight of expectations, is evident in every episode. His writing explores not just the external challenges but also the internal conflicts, anxieties, and aspirations that define the adulting journey. The success of "Adulting" as a series is a clear indicator of Makwarela's skill in crafting compelling, relevant stories that resonate deeply with a broad audience, solidifying its place as a quintessential "adulting film" example.
Why Adulting Films Resonate: Relatability and Catharsis
The enduring popularity of the "adulting film" genre, exemplified by shows like Showmax's "Adulting," stems from a powerful combination of relatability and catharsis. These narratives offer more than just entertainment; they provide a mirror for viewers to see their own struggles reflected on screen, fostering a sense of shared experience and understanding. For young adults grappling with the complexities of independent living, watching characters navigate similar financial woes, career uncertainties, and relationship dramas can be incredibly validating.
The relatability factor is immense. When a character on screen struggles to pay rent, feels overwhelmed by job interviews, or experiences the awkwardness of navigating new adult friendships, it echoes the real-life experiences of countless viewers. This recognition creates a powerful connection, making audiences feel less alone in their own adulting journeys. It’s a comfort to know that the anxieties, the moments of doubt, and the occasional triumphs are not unique but are part of a collective human experience. The show's sentiment, "Sikhala sonke, sigroover sonke and sipusha sonke" (we cry together, groove together, and push together), perfectly captures this communal feeling that these films evoke.
Beyond mere recognition, "adulting films" offer a crucial element of catharsis. By witnessing characters overcome obstacles, make mistakes, and ultimately grow, viewers can process their own emotions and anxieties in a safe, vicarious way. There's a certain relief in seeing the "unfiltered chaos" of life played out, knowing that messy moments are a normal part of the process. These stories provide a space for audiences to laugh at the absurdities of adulting, cry at its heartbreaks, and find hope in its moments of success. They serve as a form of collective therapy, affirming that it's okay not to have all the answers and that the journey of becoming a responsible adult is often more about perseverance than perfection.
Wondering about Adulting Season 2?
Adulting S1-2
Adulting (TV Series 2023– ) - Episode list - IMDb
