Becoming Karl Lagerfeld – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Becoming Karl Lagerfeld

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2024

35%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Glamorous 1970s fashion drama drowning in cigarettes, sex, and toxic rivalries—basically, it's not The Devil Wears Prada.

7.2/10

80%

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Becoming Karl Lagerfeld

show

TV-MA, 2024

35%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Glamorous 1970s fashion drama drowning in cigarettes, sex, and toxic rivalries—basically, it's not The Devil Wears Prada.

7.2

80%

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7.2/10

80%

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, if you're obsessed with fashion history and can handle a lot of cigarette smoke, champagne, and messy queer drama, this might scratch an itch. The production values are gorgeous, and critics liked it.

But let's be real: this is a niche show for adults who want to watch beautiful people behave badly in 1970s Paris. It's not educational in the way a documentary would be, and it's definitely not family viewing. The constant substance abuse and sexual content are baked into every scene.

If you loved The Crown's approach to biographical drama but wish it had more fashion and less restraint, maybe give it a shot. Otherwise, there are better ways to spend six hours.

Age Fit

This is strictly for adults 18+, despite Common Sense Media's age 16 rating. The pervasive sexual content, substance abuse, and toxic dynamics make it inappropriate for teens. Best suited for fashion-savvy adults interested in biographical drama and willing to wade through a lot of interpersonal mess.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

This is a French docudrama centered on petty rivalries, toxic relationships, and the chaotic 1970s fashion world. Common Sense Media notes 'lots of strong sexuality,' 'yelling, arguing, and slapping,' and pervasive substance abuse. The emotional tone is manipulative and self-destructive rather than healthy or cooperative. Not modeling positive behaviors.

Imaginative

The period setting of 1970s Paris fashion world offers visual richness and explores creative ambition in haute couture. The biographical drama format examines how Lagerfeld built his brand and aesthetic vision. However, it's more focused on interpersonal drama than actual creative process or design innovation. Decent for understanding fashion history context.

Safe

IMDb rates sexual content and substance abuse as 'Severe.' Common Sense Media confirms 'lots of strong sexuality, occasional nudity, cursing, and lots of cigarette smoking, boozing, and drug use.' Plugged In notes 'sexual dalliances' don't make for wholesome viewing. This has multiple trigger warnings and mature content that would be completely inappropriate for children to stumble upon.

Enriching

Offers insight into fashion history, the competitive nature of haute couture, and the complexity of creative ambition. The biographical angle provides context for understanding Lagerfeld's cultural impact. However, the focus on personal drama and toxic relationships limits deeper ethical or personal growth opportunities. More soap opera than substantive character study.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Visually stunning recreation of 1970s Paris haute couture scene with period-accurate fashion and design
Provides biographical context for understanding Karl Lagerfeld's rise and cultural impact on fashion
Strong critical reception (80% RT critics) suggests compelling storytelling and performances
Explores the competitive, cutthroat nature of high fashion and creative ambition

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What to Watch For

Severe sexual content, nudity, and explicit scenes throughout—this is firmly adult territory
Heavy substance abuse: constant smoking, drinking, and drug use depicted as glamorous lifestyle
Toxic relationship dynamics, manipulation, and emotional abuse between main characters
Slow-burn biographical drama format may feel dry if you're not already invested in fashion history
French production (subtitled or dubbed) with niche appeal for fashion enthusiasts

Conversation Starters

"What do you think drives someone to sacrifice personal relationships for career success?"
"How has the fashion industry changed since the 1970s in terms of creativity versus commerce?"
"The show depicts a lot of destructive behavior—do you think that's realistic for that era, or romanticized?"

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