Crush – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Crush

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2022Comedy, Romance

67%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A queer teen rom-com that swaps the guy for a girl and actually gets the heart right—even if the plot is paint-by-numbers.

6.3/10

83%

80%

→

Crush

movie

TV-MA, 2022, Comedy, Romance

67%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A queer teen rom-com that swaps the guy for a girl and actually gets the heart right—even if the plot is paint-by-numbers.

6.3

83%

Jump to

Also rated on

6.3/10

83%

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

This is basically a Hallmark rom-com but make it gay and set it in high school—and honestly, that's exactly what we need more of. The plot is nothing revolutionary (girl joins team, chases wrong person, realizes the right person was there all along), but the LGBTQ+ representation is done with care and normalcy that feels genuinely refreshing.

The 83% critic score isn't a fluke—it's a competently made, sweet movie that treats queer teen romance as worthy of the full butterflies-in-stomach treatment. Yes, there's teen drinking and references to sex, but it's handled in a realistic way that acknowledges how actual teens navigate these things.

It's not going to blow anyone's mind with originality, but if you've got a teen (especially a queer teen) looking for a feel-good romance where they can see themselves, this delivers. Just know you're signing up for PG-13 teen life, parties and all.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13-17, though mature 12-year-olds could handle it. The LGBTQ+ themes, references to teen sexuality, and party scenes make it solidly teen territory. Adults might enjoy it too if they're into sweet rom-coms, but it's clearly aimed at the high school crowd.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Positive LGBTQ+ representation with a coming-of-age story about finding authentic love and self-acceptance. Models healthy relationship exploration and supportive friendships. Depicts teens actively discussing sexuality and identity in realistic ways. Some teen drinking and party scenes prevent a higher score, but overall tone is emotionally healthy and affirming.

Imaginative

Standard rom-com structure with the familiar 'join a team to get close to crush, fall for someone unexpected' plot. The LGBTQ+ angle adds freshness to an otherwise conventional teen romance formula. Includes artistic elements (protagonist is an aspiring artist) but doesn't deeply explore creative expression. Competent but not particularly inventive storytelling.

Safe

IMDb parents guide shows mild profanity, mild alcohol/drugs (teen drinking scenes), and references to teens being sexually active. Common Sense Media notes teens portrayed as 'actively engaged in sex, questions of sexuality, and partying.' No violence, gore, or frightening content. The sexual content is discussed rather than shown explicitly, but parents should expect mature themes around teen sexuality and some party culture.

Enriching

Thoughtful exploration of sexual identity, self-discovery, and authentic connection. Provides positive LGBTQ+ representation that can help teens (especially queer teens) see themselves reflected. Addresses themes of honesty, vulnerability, and finding courage to be yourself. The romantic comedy framework keeps it entertaining while delivering meaningful messages about identity and acceptance. 83% Rotten Tomatoes critic score suggests quality execution.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Authentic LGBTQ+ representation in a lighthearted rom-com format—not a trauma narrative, just a sweet love story that happens to be queer
Models healthy exploration of sexual identity and the courage to be honest about feelings
Strong critical reception (83% on Rotten Tomatoes) suggests it's well-executed within its genre
Teen reviewers on Common Sense Media rate it highly and call it age-appropriate for 12-13+ depending on maturity
Refreshing to see queer teen romance treated as normal, fun, and worthy of the full rom-com treatment

⚠

What to Watch For

Teens are shown drinking at parties and references to sexual activity—it's not explicit but it's present and normalized
Some mild profanity throughout
If your teen isn't ready for conversations about sexuality and same-sex relationships, this isn't the right fit yet
The plot is predictable if your kid has seen literally any rom-com before

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever had a crush on someone unexpected? What was that like?"
"The main character joins track team partly to impress someone—have you ever done something just to get closer to a person you liked?"
"How do you think it feels different for LGBTQ+ teens to navigate crushes and coming out compared to straight teens?"
"What makes a relationship feel 'real' versus just exciting because it's new?"

Stills