Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Screenwise Verdict

This is the documentary you show when you want to genuinely educate—not just entertain. Audism Unveiled does one thing exceptionally well: it makes visible a form of oppression most people never knew existed.

The film is entirely in ASL (with subtitles), which immediately immerses you in a different linguistic world. Through personal stories from Deaf individuals across ages and backgrounds, you learn how audism—the belief that hearing people are superior—creates real, lasting harm. It's not preachy; it's just honest.

The catch? It's a documentary, not a Netflix thriller. Your 12-year-old won't beg to watch it on movie night, but if you're teaching about disability rights, language, or inclusion, this is essential viewing. The emotional weight is significant—stories of isolation and cultural erasure can be tough—so save it for kids who can sit with heavy content and talk it through afterward.

For families with Deaf members or kids learning ASL, this is required viewing. For everyone else, it's a powerful reminder that 'normal' is just one way of experiencing the world.

Age Fit

Best for ages 12-15+ who can handle emotionally mature content about discrimination and identity. The interview format and heavy themes require attention span and emotional maturity. Excellent for high schoolers, college students, and adults learning about Deaf culture and social justice.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

Interview-style documentary with emotionally mature content about discrimination and identity. No violence, explicit language, or inappropriate content, but the emotional weight of stories about isolation, cultural erasure, and systemic oppression can be intense. Models empathy, community, and cultural pride. Age-appropriate for teens who can engage thoughtfully with social justice themes.

Imaginative

72

Documentary format limits creative expression, but introduces viewers to ASL as a visual language and opens up a new cultural perspective. The film invites curiosity about Deaf culture, language rights, and alternative ways of experiencing the world. More educational than imaginative, but does expand worldview in meaningful ways.

Safe

85

No graphic violence, gore, nudity, or explicit language. Entirely interview-based documentary. The emotional content around discrimination and oppression can be heavy but is presented thoughtfully. Common Sense Media rates it 15+, which feels appropriate. No surprise content that would shock younger viewers, though the subject matter requires maturity to process.

Enriching

94

Exceptional educational value. Introduces audism as a concept, provides firsthand accounts of Deaf experience, teaches about ASL and visual language, and builds empathy for marginalized communities. Perfect for sparking conversations about privilege, inclusion, language rights, and cultural identity. High critical acclaim (97% RT, 82 Metacritic) reflects its impact. Genuinely eye-opening for most viewers.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Filmed entirely in ASL with subtitles—introduces visual language in an authentic, immersive way
Personal testimonies from diverse Deaf individuals create genuine empathy and understanding
Teaches a critical concept (audism) that most people have never heard of but desperately need to understand
High critical acclaim (97% RT) and works brilliantly as an educational tool for families and classrooms
Sparks important conversations about privilege, inclusion, and what it means to truly 'hear' someone

⚠

What to Watch For

Emotional weight is real—stories of isolation, cultural erasure, and systemic discrimination can hit hard
Documentary format means it's educational first, entertainment second (not a popcorn movie)
Best for kids 12+ who can process social justice themes and engage in meaningful discussion afterward
Preview first if you're unsure about your child's readiness for heavy emotional content

Conversation Starters

"What does 'audism' mean to you after watching this? Have you ever witnessed it?"
"How would your life be different if you couldn't hear? What would you miss most, and what might you gain?"
"The film shows how language shapes identity—what does ASL mean to the Deaf community beyond just communication?"
"How can we make sure everyone in our family/school/community feels heard and included, regardless of how they communicate?"
"What surprised you most about Deaf culture and experience?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic