Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a solid, well-made biopic that does exactly what it sets out to do: tell an important story about a pivotal moment in women's sports and LGBTQ+ history. Emma Stone is excellent, the tennis scenes deliver, and the film treats both its feminist message and its depiction of Billie Jean King's personal life with care.

That said, it's not going to blow anyone's mind cinematically. The structure is pretty conventional, the pacing drags in spots, and if your teen isn't already interested in tennis or gender politics, this might feel like homework. But for families looking to spark conversations about equality, standing up for what's right, or LGBTQ+ history, it's a great pick—way more engaging than a documentary but still grounded in real events.

The 14+ rating is spot-on. Younger kids won't have the context for the gender politics or the emotional maturity for the relationship storyline. But for high schoolers, this is the kind of movie that makes history feel relevant and shows that one person (and one match) really can change things.

Age Fit

Best for ages 14 and up, especially teens interested in sports, history, or social justice. The LGBTQ+ themes and mature content around sexuality and discrimination make this more appropriate for high schoolers than younger kids, though mature 12-13 year-olds could handle it with context.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Models courage, standing up for equality, and perseverance through Billie Jean King's fight for gender equity in sports. The film treats its subjects with dignity and shows healthy relationships alongside the main character's journey of self-discovery. Some smoking throughout and adult themes around sexuality keep it from being squeaky-clean, but the emotional core is sound and the tone is respectful without being preachy.

Imaginative

62

A straightforward biographical drama that tells its true story competently but doesn't break new ground cinematically. The 1970s period detail is well-executed, and the tennis sequences have energy, but this is more 'solid historical recreation' than 'inventive storytelling.' It invites reflection on how far we've come (and haven't) on gender issues, but doesn't spark the kind of creative thinking or world-building that scores higher here.

Safe

72

Common Sense Media rates it 14+, which tracks. There's a same-sex relationship depicted (tastefully, but includes kissing), pervasive smoking (it's the '70s), some drinking, and sexist language that's period-appropriate but could be jarring. No graphic content, violence, or jump scares. The mature themes around sexuality and gender discrimination are handled thoughtfully, not exploitatively. Parents know what they're getting into with a PG-13 sports biopic—no nasty surprises, but definitely not background viewing for young kids.

Enriching

81

Excellent springboard for conversations about gender equality, LGBTQ+ identity, standing up for what you believe in, and how social change happens. The historical context is valuable—many kids don't know that women tennis players were paid a fraction of what men earned just 50 years ago. Billie Jean King is a genuine role model, and the film doesn't shy away from showing her personal struggles alongside her public battles. Emma Stone and Steve Carell both deliver strong performances that make the history feel human and relevant.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Billie Jean King is a legitimately inspiring figure who fought for equal pay and women's rights in sports—this story matters and the film tells it well
Great entry point for discussing gender equality, LGBTQ+ identity, and how activism actually works in the real world
Emma Stone and Steve Carell are both excellent; the tennis scenes have real energy and the period detail is fun
Balances the personal (King's relationship with Marilyn) with the political (equal pay fight) without getting preachy
Shows that standing up for what's right is messy, scary, and worth it—a lesson that lands for teens

⚠

What to Watch For

Constant smoking (everyone smoked in the '70s, apparently) and some drinking—historically accurate but worth noting
A same-sex relationship is central to the story, depicted with kissing and emotional intimacy—handled tastefully but clearly present
Period-appropriate sexist language and attitudes that are the whole point of the story but might need context for younger viewers
Pacing can feel a bit slow for kids used to Marvel-level action—this is a talky drama with tennis, not a sports thriller

Conversation Starters

"Did you know women tennis players used to get paid way less than men just 50 years ago? What do you think about that?"
"Billie Jean felt a lot of pressure representing all women with that one match. Have you ever felt like you had to represent a whole group?"
"Bobby Riggs was kind of a showman and a jerk, but some people think he secretly supported women's equality. What do you think his real motivations were?"
"The movie shows Billie Jean struggling with her identity and her marriage. Why do you think it was so hard to be openly gay in the 1970s?"
"If you could challenge anyone to a match or competition to prove a point, who would it be and what would you want to prove?"

Deep Dive

The "Why Now" of 1973

The film captures a specific kind of 1970s grime and glamour that feels surprisingly relevant today. It isn't just about a tennis match; it’s about the exhausting reality of having to prove your basic humanity just to get a fair paycheck. If your teen follows current debates about equal pay in professional soccer or basketball, this is the essential backstory. It shows that these fights weren't started on social media. They were won by people who were willing to risk their entire careers on a single afternoon in front of millions of people.

Not Your Typical Sports Flick

If you’re coming to this expecting a high-octane training montage, you might be disappointed. This is a character study first and a sports movie second. It spends a lot of time in the quiet, often lonely spaces where the lead character navigates her identity and her marriage. For a kid who is just here for the action, the first hour might feel a bit slow. But for those who appreciate the psychological side of competition, it’s a masterclass.

We see the "villain" of the story not as a monster, but as a promoter who realized that being a loud-mouthed chauvinist was a great way to stay famous. It’s a useful look at how media narratives are constructed. You can talk to your kids about how people sometimes lean into a "bad guy" persona just to get the cameras to stay on them, a tactic that hasn't changed much in fifty years.

Making History Feel Human

Critics gave this an 84% on Rotten Tomatoes, and you can see why. It avoids the trap of making historical figures feel like statues. They’re messy, they make mistakes, and they’re often terrified. This is why it’s such a strong entry for Beyond the Sidelines: Why Every Girl Needs a ‘Sports Movie’ Phase. It shows that grit isn't just about physical strength. It’s about the mental toughness required to ignore a stadium full of people who are literally betting on you to fail.

If the movie sparks a sudden interest in the court, you can find more age-appropriate ways to keep that momentum going with Game, Set, Match: Tennis Movies, Shows & Books for Kids. While this film is firmly for the high school crowd due to its mature themes and relationship drama, the inspiration it offers is universal. It’s a reminder that even when the odds are rigged, the right person with the right racket can still change the world.

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