Becoming – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Becoming

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2018

75%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

The origin story of Pippi Longstocking's creator—a Swedish biopic about defying 1920s norms, heartbreak, and finding your voice.

96%

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Becoming

movie

6, 2018

75%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

The origin story of Pippi Longstocking's creator—a Swedish biopic about defying 1920s norms, heartbreak, and finding your voice.

96%

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a beautifully made, emotionally rich film about the young Astrid Lindgren's struggle to live on her own terms in a society that wanted to crush her for it. The 96% Rotten Tomatoes score is well-earned—it's thoughtful, well-acted, and deeply moving.

But let's be clear: this is not a kids' movie, even though it's about the woman who created Pippi Longstocking. The themes—unwed pregnancy, giving up a child, religious and social condemnation—are heavy and require a mature viewer. Common Sense Media's age 15 recommendation is spot-on.

For the right teen, especially one interested in history, feminism, or the lives of creative people, this is enriching and inspiring. For everyone else, it's a slow, subtitled European drama that will feel like homework. If your high schooler is ready for serious, adult storytelling, this is worth watching together.

Age Fit

Best for ages 15 and up. The themes of unwed pregnancy, social shame, and emotional separation from a child require maturity and historical context. This is a thoughtful, slow-paced biopic—great for high schoolers interested in women's history or literary figures, but not appropriate or engaging for younger kids.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A biographical drama about Astrid Lindgren's early life that portrays a young woman breaking free from restrictive societal norms with courage and authenticity. The film handles themes of unwed pregnancy, judgment, and defiance of religious expectations with emotional maturity. It models resilience and following one's heart despite social pressure, though the heavy subject matter—shame, separation from a child, societal condemnation—means this isn't light viewing. The tone is serious and grounded, appropriate for older teens who can process complex moral situations.

Imaginative

This is a period biopic, so it's grounded in historical reality rather than fantastical storytelling. That said, it explores the formative experiences that shaped one of the world's most beloved children's authors, offering insight into how personal struggle can fuel creative vision. The film invites viewers to think about how life's hardships transform into art and story. It's more contemplative than actively imaginative, but there's value in understanding the origin of Pippi Longstocking's rebellious spirit.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates this at age 15, which tracks with the mature themes: unwed pregnancy in 1920s Sweden, social ostracism, a young woman giving up her child temporarily, and the emotional weight of religious judgment. There's no graphic content, but the subject matter is emotionally intense and deals with sex (implied, not shown), shame, and heartbreak. Older teens can handle it, but this would be bewildering or distressing for younger viewers who stumble upon it. Not a family movie night pick unless your kids are mature high schoolers.

Enriching

Deeply enriching for the right audience. The film offers a nuanced portrait of a woman who defied 1920s expectations, made difficult choices, and ultimately channeled her pain into stories that empowered generations of children. It's a powerful lesson in resilience, autonomy, and the cost of living authentically. The critical acclaim (96% on Rotten Tomatoes, 71 Metacritic) reflects its thoughtful storytelling. For teens grappling with identity, societal pressure, or the courage to be different, this is meaningful viewing. It also provides historical context about women's limited options a century ago.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Inspiring portrait of resilience: Astrid Lindgren's real-life courage in the face of crushing social judgment is powerful stuff for teens navigating their own identity
96% on Rotten Tomatoes—critics loved this thoughtful, beautifully shot period drama
Educational context: offers a window into how restrictive life was for women a century ago, and how personal pain can fuel creative genius
Strong female protagonist who refuses to be shamed into submission—a role model for standing up to unjust expectations

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What to Watch For

Mature themes: unwed pregnancy, giving up a child (temporarily), religious judgment, and social ostracism—this is heavy emotional territory
Rated for ages 15+ by Common Sense Media for good reason; younger kids won't have the context or maturity to process it
Slow-burn pacing typical of European biopics—this is not a Marvel movie; expect quiet, contemplative scenes
Subtitled (Swedish film)—if your teen hates reading subtitles, this will be a hard sell

Conversation Starters

"What do you think it would have been like to be a young woman in the 1920s with so few choices about your own life?"
"How do you think Astrid's experiences shaped the kind of stories she wrote—like Pippi being so independent and rebellious?"
"Have you ever felt pressure to follow rules or expectations that didn't feel right to you? How did you handle it?"
"Why do you think society was so harsh on women who had children outside of marriage back then? How has that changed?"

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