Young Adam

Set in Scotland in the early 1950s, Young Adam centres on Joe Taylor, a young drifter and failed writer who takes work on a coal barge owned by Les Gault and his wife Ella. One afternoon Joe and Les pull the body of a young woman from the water. The police arrest a suspect, but it becomes increasingly clear that Joe knew the dead woman better than he is willing to admit, while he and Ella begin an affair that unsettles life aboard the barge. The film is based on Alexander Trocchi's novel.

David Mackenzie directed and wrote the screenplay, with Jeremy Thomas producing. It was Mackenzie's first feature, followed by Asylum, Hallam Foe, Spread, Perfect Sense, You Instead, Starred Up, Hell or High Water, Outlaw King, Relay and Fuze. Ewan McGregor plays Joe, Tilda Swinton plays Ella, and Peter Mullan plays Les, with Emily Mortimer, Jack McElhone and Therese Bradley also appearing among a credited cast of 33.

Made for a budget of 6 million USD, the film took about 3 million USD worldwide, well short of its cost. On IMDb it holds 6.3/10 from 15,000 votes, and on TMDB 5.9/10 from 200 votes. A critics' rating of 6.4/10 from 123 reviews places it close to the audience scores, suggesting a divided but not dismissive reception.