Andrew Blubaugh’s affair with an older man left long-lasting marks on his life and relationships. Now a filmmaker, Blubaugh tries to make sense of that relationship by juxtaposing art and real life — with fascinating results. A truly “meta” look at a tale of a teenaged boy and his older lover, The Adults In The Room is no ordinary narrative. Interspersed with a superbly-acted story that is based on his real-life relationship fifteen years ago, we also see a documentary about the filmmaker’s process of making the film.
As we watch the tale of a sexual relationship between a young Andy and a man twice his age unfold, the filmmaker uncovers feelings of unfinished business as he unearths deep insecurities and discovers past hurts long submerged. In this bravely unvarnished look at his past, Blubaugh brings his story to life through his actors while taking the audience through the creative process taking place when an artist mines his past for material. As the relationship unfolds, the film poses larger questions about a relationship that had a significant age difference and who is ultimately responsible for each person’s well-being.
Interviews with school counselors, conversations with Blubaugh’s friends and a discussion with sex columnist Dan Savage round out this fascinating genre-bending, introspective look at what goes into creating such an honest, personal and heartfelt film. –Frameline
