Contact – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Contact

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie1997

82%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Jodie Foster searches for aliens and finds big questions about science, faith, and what it means to believe in something you can't prove.

69%

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Contact

movie

PG, 1997

82%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Jodie Foster searches for aliens and finds big questions about science, faith, and what it means to believe in something you can't prove.

69%

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Screenwise Verdict

Contact is the rare sci-fi film that treats its audience—kids included—like they can handle big ideas. It's about curiosity, persistence, and the loneliness of being right when no one believes you. Jodie Foster is magnetic, the wormhole sequence is unforgettable, and the film's refusal to pick sides in the faith-vs-science debate is refreshing.

That said, this is a 1997 film with 1997 pacing. It's talky, deliberate, and nearly two and a half hours long. Modern kids raised on Marvel and TikTok may struggle with the slow build and heavy dialogue. But for the right kid—the one who asks "what if?" and actually wants to hear the answer—this is gold.

A few content notes: the wormhole sequence can be visually intense, there's a brief sensuality scene, and a bombing that's tense but not graphic. Common Sense Media says 10+, kid reviewers say 11+, and that feels right. Preview it if your kid is sensitive, but otherwise, this is a smart, enriching watch that earns its runtime.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10–12+ who are ready for slower, idea-heavy sci-fi. Kids who love space, big questions, and thoughtful stories will get the most out of it. Younger or action-oriented viewers may find it too talky.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models scientific curiosity, persistence, and intellectual integrity through Jodie Foster's Dr. Arroway. The film explores faith vs. evidence respectfully without demonizing either side. Mild language and one sensuality scene keep it from perfect, but the emotional tone is mature and thoughtful rather than cynical or dark. The pacing is deliberate—almost slow by modern standards—but never chaotic.

Imaginative

A visually stunning meditation on humanity's place in the cosmos. The wormhole sequence remains iconic, and the film asks genuinely big questions: Are we alone? How would we respond to first contact? What counts as proof? It invites kids (and adults) to think about science, faith, and wonder in ways few films attempt. The premise itself—detecting an alien signal—is pure imaginative fuel.

Safe

Rated PG for 'some intense action, mild language and a scene of sensuality.' The wormhole sequence can be visually overwhelming for younger viewers, and there's a brief but tense bombing scene. The sensuality is a single scene between adults, not graphic. Language is occasional and mild. No gore, no surprise horror. Common Sense Media suggests age 10+, and kid reviewers mostly agree on 11+. Safe for the target age, but parents of sensitive younger kids should preview.

Enriching

This is a film about the scientific method, critical thinking, and the tension between empirical evidence and faith. It's a masterclass in how science works—peer review, funding battles, political interference—and it treats kids smart enough to handle big ideas. The emotional payoff (Arroway's encounter, her struggle to be believed) teaches empathy and the loneliness of being right when no one believes you. IMDb 7.5, Letterboxd 3.8/5, and strong audience scores reflect its lasting impact.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

A rare film that takes science seriously—shows the messy reality of funding, peer review, and political meddling
The wormhole sequence is visually stunning and still holds up nearly 30 years later
Models a brilliant, persistent female scientist who doesn't give up when the world doubts her
Explores faith vs. evidence without cheap answers—respects both sides and invites real thought
Perfect for kids who love space, ask big questions, or are ready for slower, idea-driven storytelling

⚠

What to Watch For

The wormhole sequence is intense and could overwhelm sensitive younger viewers
One brief sensuality scene between adults (not graphic, but worth a heads-up)
A tense bombing scene that may frighten younger kids
Slow pacing and heavy dialogue—this is not a Marvel movie, and modern kids may get restless
Occasional mild profanity

Conversation Starters

"If you picked up a signal from space, what would you want to say back?"
"Dr. Arroway couldn't prove what happened to her—have you ever known something was true but couldn't prove it?"
"Why do you think some people need faith and others need evidence? Can you have both?"
"What would change if we found out we weren't alone in the universe?"

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