Above the Shadows is one of those indie films that slipped under most people's radar but has found a second life on streaming. Holly (Olivia Thirlby) is a photographer who literally fades from existence after her mother dies—people can't see her, touch her, or remember she ever existed. She's been invisible for years, surviving on the margins of New York City, when she discovers that Shayne (Alan Ritchson), a disgraced MMA fighter dealing with his own demons, can somehow see her.

What follows is part mystery (why can he see her?), part romance (obviously), and part redemption story as both characters work through their trauma. Director Jennifer Lynch (yes, David Lynch's daughter) brings a dreamy, melancholic vibe to what could have been a cheesy premise.

The fantasy angle softens heavy themes. The movie deals with depression, grief, and feeling invisible in a metaphorical sense—but by making it literal, it becomes less scary and more approachable for younger viewers. Holly's invisibility is a fantasy problem with a fantasy solution, which creates emotional distance from the real mental health struggles it's clearly representing.

The romance is genuinely wholesome. In an era where teen romance often means Euphoria-level intensity, this movie keeps things refreshingly chaste. Shayne and Holly's relationship builds slowly through conversation and shared vulnerability. The most intimate scene is them sitting on a rooftop talking about their lives. There's chemistry, but it's earned through emotional connection rather than physical attraction.

The MMA element adds action without gore. Shayne's fight scenes are present but not gratuitous. You see him training, you see him in the cage, but the camera doesn't linger on blood or brutal injuries. It's more about the sport's discipline and redemption arc than violence for violence's sake. If your kid can handle The Karate Kid or Creed, this is similar territory.

It's about feeling seen. At its core, this is a movie about two people who feel invisible in different ways—one literally, one emotionally—finding each other. For middle schoolers navigating that age where everyone feels invisible sometimes, that message lands.

Violence: MMA fighting is the main concern here. You see punches, kicks, some blood, but nothing approaching the intensity of actual UFC broadcasts or movies like Warrior. The fights are filmed more for drama than shock value. No weapons, no deaths, no torture.

Language: A handful of "shit" and "damn," maybe one or two "bitch." No F-bombs that I caught. About what you'd expect from a PG-13.

Sexual Content: Shayne is shirtless in several scenes (he's an MMA fighter, it comes with the territory). There's one scene where Holly watches him shower through a frosted glass door—she's invisible, he doesn't know she's there, and you see his silhouette. It's brief and not particularly sexualized. One kiss near the end. That's it. No nudity, no sex scenes, no innuendo-heavy dialogue.

Substance Use: Some drinking in background scenes. No drug use.

Scary/Intense Scenes: The movie has a melancholic, sometimes lonely vibe that might feel heavy for sensitive kids. Holly's invisibility means she's essentially living as a ghost in her own life—she steals food, sleeps in empty apartments, watches her former friends move on without her. It's sad more than scary, but the existential loneliness could hit hard for some viewers.

Themes: Depression, grief, suicide ideation (not explicit but implied), feeling worthless, redemption. These are handled gently but they're definitely present.

Ages 12-14: This is the sweet spot. Kids this age are starting to grapple with more complex emotions and can appreciate the metaphor of invisibility representing feeling unseen or unimportant. The romance is age-appropriate, the fantasy element makes heavy themes more digestible, and the runtime (111 minutes) is manageable.

Ages 10-11: Probably depends on the kid. Mature 11-year-olds who read middle grade books about mental health and can handle emotional complexity might be fine. Younger or more sensitive kids might find the loneliness and sadness too heavy, even with the fantasy wrapper.

Ages 15+: Totally fine, though older teens might find it a bit slow or predictable. This isn't Twilight-level swoony or Hunger Games-level intense—it's quieter and more character-driven. But if your teen likes indie films or supernatural romance, they'll probably appreciate it.

The budget shows. This is not a Marvel movie. The special effects are serviceable but not spectacular—think more Pushing Daisies than Harry Potter. Some scenes feel rushed, some plot points don't fully land. If your kid is used to high-budget blockbusters, set expectations accordingly.

It's earnest in a way that might feel cheesy. The movie plays its premise completely straight—no winking at the camera, no ironic distance. Some kids (and adults) will find this refreshing; others might roll their eyes. If your family enjoys Hallmark-style sincerity, you'll be fine here.

The mental health metaphor is pretty clear. Holly's invisibility is obviously standing in for depression and feeling like you don't matter. Shayne's fall from grace and struggle to rebuild represents dealing with failure and shame. The movie doesn't spell this out explicitly, but it's not subtle either. This could be a great conversation starter about talking to kids about mental health, or it could feel heavy-handed depending on your perspective.

The ending is hopeful. Without spoiling anything: this isn't a tragedy. The movie believes in redemption, connection, and the power of being truly seen by another person. If you're worried about your kid watching something that might leave them sad, this resolves in a satisfying, uplifting way.

If your kid likes this, try:

Above the Shadows is a solid choice for families looking for age-appropriate supernatural romance that doesn't talk down to its audience or rely on shock value. It's not perfect—the budget limitations show, some plot threads don't fully resolve, and the pacing drags in spots—but it's got heart, the performances are genuine, and the content concerns are minimal.

Best for: Tweens 12+ who like fantasy romance, character-driven stories, or are fans of books like The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (though that's for older teens).

Skip if: Your kid needs constant action, doesn't have patience for indie film pacing, or is too young to handle themes of depression and grief even in metaphorical form.

Watch together if: You want a conversation starter about feeling invisible, the pressure to be seen and valued, or what it means to truly connect with another person. The movie's metaphors are accessible enough for middle schoolers but meaningful enough to spark real discussion.

It's streaming on various platforms (check your usual suspects), and at 111 minutes, it's a manageable weeknight watch. Not every movie needs to be a cultural phenomenon—sometimes a sweet, sincere supernatural romance with minimal content concerns is exactly what you need.

Want to explore more tween-friendly romance movies or movies about feeling invisible? The Screenwise chatbot can help you find the perfect fit for your family's vibe and values.