Dating & New York – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Dating & New York

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2021

45%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A forgettable millennial rom-com about dating apps and hookup contracts that feels dated before the credits roll.

48%

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Dating & New York

movie

PG-13, 2021

45%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A forgettable millennial rom-com about dating apps and hookup contracts that feels dated before the credits roll.

48%

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Screenwise Verdict

Dating & New York wants to be a clever commentary on millennial dating culture but ends up as forgettable background noise. The leads have chemistry, the dialogue occasionally sparkles, but the story is painfully predictable and the dating-app gimmick wears thin fast.

With a 4.9 on IMDb and a 2.7 on Letterboxd, audiences have spoken: this one's a skip. Even if you're desperate for a rom-com night, you'd be better off rewatching When Harry Met Sally or literally anything else. The moderate sexual content and language make it appropriate only for teens 13+, but the real issue is that even they'll be checking their phones halfway through.

If you do watch it with a teen, at least you'll have material for a conversation about consent, dating app culture, and why trying to avoid feelings through a contract is a recipe for disaster. But honestly? Just have that conversation without suffering through 92 minutes of mediocrity first.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media's 13+ rating is spot-on—the sexual references and language make this inappropriate for tweens, while the shallow execution means even older teens might find it dull. Best for 14-16 year olds curious about dating dynamics, but honestly, there are better rom-coms out there.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A millennial rom-com that explores modern dating through a 'friends-with-benefits' contract. The BBFC notes moderate verbal references to sex and casual hookups throughout, plus infrequent strong language (f**k, shit). The emotional tone is light and fairy-tale-esque with pastel aesthetics, but the core premise—avoiding emotional connection through transactional dating—doesn't model particularly healthy relationship dynamics. It's not toxic, just emotionally shallow.

Imaginative

Critics consistently describe the story as 'rote' and the dating-app gimmick feels dated even shortly after release. The pastel, phone-filtered aesthetic is visually styled but not particularly inventive. The witty dialogue and chemistry between leads provide some spark, but the overall execution is formulaic millennial rom-com territory. Nothing here invites creative thinking or exploration—it's a predictable journey through well-worn dating tropes.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 13+, which aligns with the moderate sexual references and occasional strong language. The BBFC warns of flashing images that could trigger photosensitive epilepsy, and there are discreet drug references. No nudity, graphic content, or surprise violence. For the teen audience it targets, this is reasonably safe—parents know what they're getting into with a modern dating rom-com. Younger kids would be bored anyway.

Enriching

There's potential for discussion about consent, the paradox of choice in dating apps, and how technology mediates relationships. But with a 4.9 IMDb rating, 48% critic score, and 2.7/5 on Letterboxd, this film doesn't deliver much depth. The execution is too shallow to spark meaningful insight. It's mildly entertaining for its target demographic but offers little cognitive or emotional growth. The 'modern dating is hard' theme has been done better elsewhere.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Good chemistry between the two leads (Francesca Reale and Jaboukie Young-White) keeps scenes watchable
Witty dialogue occasionally lands, especially in early banter
Could spark conversations about consent, boundaries, and how dating apps shape modern relationships
Visually pleasant with its pastel, fairy-tale aesthetic—easy on the eyes if not the brain

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What to Watch For

Moderate sexual references and casual hookup talk throughout—this is squarely teen/adult territory
Occasional strong language (f**k, shit) and a rude gesture
Flashing images that could trigger photosensitive epilepsy (BBFC warning)
The 'friends-with-benefits contract' premise may normalize emotionally detached dating—good conversation fodder but not great modeling
Honestly, the bigger concern is boredom—critics and audiences agree this one's a slog

Conversation Starters

"Do you think having rules or a 'contract' for dating actually helps people avoid getting hurt, or does it just create more problems?"
"How do you think dating apps change the way people connect compared to meeting in person?"
"What would you want in a relationship that this movie's characters seem to be missing?"
"Why do you think Milo and Wendy are so scared of commitment? Have you ever felt that way about something?"

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