Consenting Adult is a 1985 American drama television film directed by Gilbert Cates, from a teleplay by John McGreevey, based on the 1975 novel of the same name by Laura Z. Hobson.
The film stars Marlo Thomas, Martin Sheen, and Barry Tubb and follows a teenage boy revealing to his parents that he is gay.
While Tess applauds his bravery, she has trouble processing the news, and the next day contacts her doctor, Mark Waldo, to inquire about any counseling possibilities to "show Jeff that he is mistaken."
Jeff returns home for Christmas and tries to be romantic with his neighbor Sue, but quickly realizes that he has no interest in her.
During their confrontation, Jeff criticizes his parents for trying to remain in the closet and reveals that he has been sexually involved with men.
After his funeral, Tess hands Jeff a letter written by his father in which he opens up about his struggle of trying to accept his son's homosexuality.
He credited Barry Tubb with doing "his best to humanize a character who is largely a symbol", while calling Marlo Thomas a "formidable actress", yet criticized Martin Sheen for being "miscast".
[2] Reviewer of The New York Times wrote: "Consenting Adult is not the most impressive of ABC Theater presentations, but, courtesy of a thoughtful production and an exceptional cast, it is a film that commands attention.
[..] John McGreevey's script is just a trifle too pat, touching on most of the cogent points but leaving no room for surprises.
[..] The superb performances of Miss Thomas, Mr. Sheen and Mr. Tubb make this Starger Company Presentation, directed by Gilbert Cates and produced by Ray Aghayan and David Lawrence, the kind of small movie that is likely to have enormous reverberations.