Adaptation. (2002)
A screenwriter's absurd self-loathing and his brother's ambition twist into a surreal, witty crime drama.
Charlie Kaufman is a confused L.A. screenwriter overwhelmed by feelings of inadequacy, sexual frustration, self-loathing, and by the screenwriting ambitions of his freeloading twin brother Donald. While struggling to adapt "The Orchid Thief," by Susan Orlean, Kaufman's life spins from pathetic to bizarre. The lives of Kaufman and Orlean's book become strangely intertwined as each one's search for passion collides with the other's.
How intense is Adaptation.?
Adaptation. has no gore and no real violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch and a late-night trip. The humor runs dry and absurdist. Rated R.
What Adaptation. feels like
- Tone
- satiricalabsurdistsurreal
- Pace
- Measured
- Humor
- dry and witty, absurdist
- Best for
- Full attentionLate night
Where to stream Adaptation.
Not on a US subscription service at our last check. Rent or buy may still be an option.
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 15, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is Adaptation. for you?
Is Adaptation. scary?
No. Adaptation. is not a scary watch (scare level 0 of 3).
Is Adaptation. gory or violent?
No gore (0 of 3) and no real violence (0 of 3). Squeamish viewers are fine here.
Is Adaptation. sad or heavy?
It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.
Is Adaptation. OK for kids?
It is rated R, so it is made for adults. Intensity: scare 0, gore 0, violence 0, each out of 3.
How long is Adaptation.?
Adaptation. runs 1h 55m.
Where can I stream Adaptation.?
Adaptation. is not on a US subscription service right now (rent or buy may still be an option).
Does Adaptation. have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
It leaves the ending open to interpretation.
Cast and crew
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