Young Adam (2003) is an exquisite movie. It's a faithful, and in many ways richer, version of Alexander Trocchi's novel set on the riverways and canals of 1950s Scotland. It's perfectly cast, beautifully acted, and David Byrne's original score is haunting and stands alone as one of the best soundtracks of a 21st century film. All these elements wind tight around the film's story to give you a perfectly preserved tale of angst, wanderlust, and regret. 

This essay appeared in NOIR CITY e-magazine, issue 31 (Spring 2021). Donate to the Film Noir Foundation to subscribe.