About a Boy – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

About a Boy

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2002

68%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Hugh Grant plays a selfish bachelor who learns about responsibility from a geeky 12-year-old—charming but dated, with PG-13 bite.

7.1/10

93%

55%

→

About a Boy

movie

PG-13, 2002

68%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Hugh Grant plays a selfish bachelor who learns about responsibility from a geeky 12-year-old—charming but dated, with PG-13 bite.

7.1

93%

Jump to

Also rated on

7.1/10

93%

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

About a Boy is a well-crafted dramedy with heart and Hugh Grant doing what he does best. The friendship between Will and Marcus is genuinely touching, and the film doesn't shy away from real issues like depression, bullying, and what it costs to actually care about someone.

That said, it's firmly PG-13 territory—the language, sexual talk, and mature themes mean this isn't a family movie night pick for younger kids. And let's be honest: it's a 2002 rom-com at its core, so some of the pacing and conventions feel dated compared to what teens watch now. The 93% critic score versus 55% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes tells the story—adults appreciate the nuance, but modern viewers might find it a bit slow.

For families with teens 13-14+, it's a solid choice if you're looking for something with substance that'll spark good conversations about responsibility, honesty, and mental health. Just know you'll need to talk through some of the adult content afterward.

Age Fit

This is best for ages 13-14 and up, matching Common Sense Media's guidance. The language, sexual references, and heavier themes around depression make it too mature for preteens, but older teens can appreciate the humor and character growth—especially with a parent ready to discuss the adult content.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The film's core message about genuine connection and personal growth is emotionally healthy, and the relationship between Will and Marcus models how caring for others can transform selfishness into responsibility. However, Will's initial behavior—lying to meet women, casual approach to relationships—and the portrayal of Marcus's mother's depression bring some adult complexity. The bullying Marcus experiences is realistic but handled with empathy. The tone balances humor with heart, though some sexual references and language push it toward older teens.

Imaginative

This is a character-driven dramedy grounded in real-world relationships and coming-of-age themes. It's well-crafted with witty dialogue and Hugh Grant's charm, but it doesn't invite creative exploration or offer particularly original storytelling—it's an adaptation of a Nick Hornby novel following fairly conventional rom-com-meets-buddy-film beats. The imagination here is in the character development and emotional insight rather than visual creativity or world-building.

Safe

PG-13 rating with multiple content concerns: several F-words and mild profanity, sexual references including a man discussing sex with a 12-year-old (in context but still awkward), adult discussions of infidelity, realistic bullying scenes that could upset younger viewers, and Will's pursuit of casual relationships. A woman's depression and a suicide attempt (off-screen but referenced) add heavier themes. No graphic content, but enough mature material that younger kids would find it inappropriate or confusing. The Australian rating advises 'Not suitable under 14' for good reason.

Enriching

Strong themes about personal responsibility, the value of genuine friendship, and how caring for others can change you. Marcus's journey dealing with his mother's mental health and school bullying offers real emotional depth, while Will's arc from shallow bachelor to engaged adult provides meaningful character growth. The film tackles single parenthood, depression, and finding your support network with nuance. It's entertaining and well-acted (93% on Rotten Tomatoes), offering discussion opportunities about honesty, family dynamics, and what it means to grow up. However, it's more feel-good dramedy than deeply transformative.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuine exploration of how caring for others can transform even the most commitment-phobic adult—Will's arc from shallow to engaged is well-earned
Nicholas Hoult's portrayal of Marcus dealing with bullying and his mother's depression is empathetic and realistic, offering teens a character who feels authentic
Strong messages about the importance of support networks, honesty in relationships, and what it means to grow up (at any age)
Well-acted and critically acclaimed (93% on Rotten Tomatoes) with witty British humor that lands for older teens and adults
Opens conversations about mental health, single parenthood, and navigating social pressures at school

⚠

What to Watch For

Multiple F-words and British profanity—not constant but enough to notice
Sexual references including Will discussing sex with Marcus, adult conversations about infidelity, and Will's pursuit of casual relationships
Bullying scenes where Marcus is taunted, has shoes stolen, and is threatened—realistic but potentially upsetting for sensitive viewers
Marcus's mother's depression is a significant plot point, including an off-screen suicide attempt that's referenced
Some early-2000s rom-com tropes and pacing that may feel slow or dated to modern teens

Conversation Starters

"What do you think changed Will's mind about getting involved in Marcus's life? Was it one moment or gradual?"
"How did Marcus handle the bullying at school? What would you have done differently or the same?"
"Why do you think Marcus's mom was struggling so much? How did Marcus try to help her, and was that fair to put on a kid?"
"Will lies a lot at the beginning to meet women. When does being 'smooth' cross into being dishonest, and why does that matter?"
"What does the movie say about what makes a real family or support system?"