My Dad died this past year. Every movie I have seen since showcased the death of a Dad or Father-figure. Is it because Hollywood is filled with Millennials and Gen Xers who are just now starting to lose their Dads? Because losing a Dad, such a huge life-altering event, when you’re an artist at the beginning stages of your flourishing career would logically mean that real life will inform your work. Thus so many films that handle the death of a Dad are 1. being made and 2. fit me demographically. The Adam project delivers a few great moments in a generally adorable time-traveling family adventure film.

I would have enjoyed listing the movies I’ve seen here, but after a moment, I realized some of them were spoilers or could be perceived as such, so I deleted them, but there were 8, FYI.

I don’t need to tell you everything about this movie, you know the basics from wide-spread advertising: Ryan Reynolds’ character visits himself as a kid through time travel and there is a semi- “13 Going On 30” sequel going on with the parents. This movie isn’t at the level of time-travel complication as “Edge Of Tomorrow.” It is simple, straight forward, and meant to be light in some spots.

But the Father-Son and widow storyline is why the movie has guts. At one point, grown up Adam (Ryan Reynolds) and young Adam (Walker Scobell) have both lost their Father and are encountering a moment where they need to address whether or not to go into the past and actually talk to him – and their decision is swift and satisfying. Another key moment is between the two versions of Adam where the youngest addresses their development of an angry, sarcastic, jerk because of a choice to reject the original narrative surrounding their dead Father. It is easier to be angry, easier to re-write memories, and easier to reject than to continue to grieve and leave wounds open.

Mark Ruffalo (the Dad) isn’t in this film as much as we’d like, but when he is there, he is a wonderful character filled with intention, attention, and Fatherly messiness. No saints here.

This movie is a hard watch in some ways, but I’m still raw. The Adam Project was so gentle and filled with plain-as-day love and care. There is a whole lot of practical wisdom for those in mourning. I feel like I’m ok with seeing more movies on this subject, I’m ready. If you aren’t ready, this one is a good one to start with.

Click To Watch HERE On NETFLIX