Coherence – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Coherence

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2014

58%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Mind-bending indie sci-fi about parallel realities that'll make you question everything—and feel deeply unsettled.

89%

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Coherence

movie

PG, 2014

58%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Mind-bending indie sci-fi about parallel realities that'll make you question everything—and feel deeply unsettled.

89%

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Screenwise Verdict

Coherence is that rare indie gem that actually delivers on its high-concept premise. For $50,000 and a dinner party setting, it creates a genuinely mind-bending exploration of parallel realities that'll have you pausing to work through the logic.

But let's be clear: this is NOT family viewing. It's a psychological thriller that gets increasingly dark and disturbing, ending with the protagonist literally murdering her alternate self to steal a better life. That's... a lot.

For older teens (16+) who love cerebral sci-fi, or adults who want something that actually makes them think, this is excellent. The ratings back it up—89% on RT isn't a fluke. But if you're looking for feel-good entertainment or something to watch with middle schoolers, absolutely not. This is the kind of movie that'll keep you up at night, and not in a fun way.

Age Fit

This is solidly adult content—Common Sense Media says 14+ but honestly, it's better suited for older teens (16+) and adults who appreciate cerebral, unsettling sci-fi. The psychological intensity and disturbing ending make it inappropriate for younger viewers, even mature ones.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

This is a psychological thriller that explores paranoia, distrust, and relationship fractures under stress. While it models problem-solving and group dynamics initially, the tone becomes increasingly dark and anxious as characters turn on each other. The pacing is deliberately unsettling rather than balanced, and the emotional tenor is tense throughout. Not toxic, but not emotionally healthy viewing.

Imaginative

Extremely original concept exploring parallel realities and quantum mechanics through a low-budget, high-concept lens. The film invites viewers to puzzle through the mystery alongside characters, engaging in active problem-solving and theoretical thinking. Strong marks for creative storytelling that makes you think differently about reality and choice. This is genuinely inventive sci-fi.

Safe

While there's minimal gore or graphic content, the film contains significant psychological tension, paranoia, and violence (characters attacking their alternate selves). The ending involves the protagonist essentially murdering her alternate self and stealing her life, which is disturbing. Common Sense Media rates it 14+, and the intense psychological horror elements make it inappropriate for younger viewers. This isn't a surprise-scary movie, but it's definitely not safe for family viewing.

Enriching

Genuinely thought-provoking exploration of quantum mechanics, parallel universes, and the nature of identity and choice. Raises interesting philosophical questions about self, reality, and what we'd do if confronted with alternate versions of ourselves. The low-budget execution actually enhances the intellectual engagement. However, the dark ending and anxiety-inducing tone limit its enrichment value—you'll think about it, but you won't feel great.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely original high-concept sci-fi that respects your intelligence—no spoon-feeding here
Made for $50k but punches way above its weight with clever writing and real ideas about quantum mechanics
Strong ratings across the board (89% RT critics, 7.2 IMDb) suggest this is the real deal for cerebral thriller fans
Perfect for older teens/adults who want sci-fi that makes them think rather than just watch explosions
The kind of movie you'll want to immediately discuss and debate after watching

⚠

What to Watch For

This is absolutely not a family movie—intense psychological tension, paranoia, and violence throughout
The ending is legitimately disturbing (protagonist murders alternate self and steals her life)
Very talky, deliberately confusing structure that some viewers find frustrating rather than engaging
Low-budget aesthetic means no flashy effects—this is all ideas and atmosphere
Will likely provoke anxiety in sensitive viewers; the whole vibe is deeply unsettling

Conversation Starters

"If you met an alternate version of yourself who had made different choices, what would you want to ask them?"
"Do you think the main character made the right choice at the end? What would you have done?"
"How much of who we are is determined by the choices we make versus random chance?"
"Would you want to know about parallel versions of your life, or would that make everything worse?"

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