Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those under-the-radar indie gems that does something genuinely different with the teen outcast formula. Instead of the usual makeover-gets-popular arc, Irene finds her people in a retirement home and challenges the whole concept of what 'perfect' looks like. Sweet without being saccharine.

The 75% critic score and 81% audience score tell you it works—it's not going to win Oscars, but it delivers heart and humor. The body positivity angle feels authentic rather than performative, and the intergenerational friendship premise is legitimately refreshing.

That said, the 15+ rating is real. This isn't a feel-good romp for middle schoolers—it likely depicts real bullying, body-shaming, and social cruelty that younger kids aren't ready for. If your teen is in a fragile place around body image, proceed thoughtfully.

Bottom line: A solid choice for older teens who want something with substance beyond the typical Netflix teen fare. It's got a quirky heart and a message worth hearing.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13-17, particularly teens navigating body image, social acceptance, or feeling like outsiders. The 15+ rating reflects mature themes around bullying and self-worth that require emotional sophistication. Older teens and adults who appreciate indie dramedies will find it charming.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Heartwarming premise about an outcast teen finding connection with seniors, promoting intergenerational friendship and body positivity. The core message—that you don't need to be physically 'perfect' to be awesome—is genuinely uplifting. Models perseverance and kindness across age gaps. Likely has some teen angst and social dynamics but centers on cooperation and acceptance.

Imaginative

65

Creative premise pairing cheerleading with a retirement home and reality show auditions is quirky and original enough to stand out from typical teen fare. The intergenerational angle offers fresh perspective, though execution may lean conventional. Not groundbreaking, but shows creativity in its setup and challenges typical beauty/age standards in dance culture.

Safe

72

Common Sense Media rates it 15+, suggesting some mature themes but nothing extreme. No MPAA rating listed, which is unusual but aggregate scores (75% RT critics, 81% audience) suggest accessible family content. Likely contains typical teen comedy elements—social cruelty, body image issues, possibly mild language. The suspension premise hints at school conflict. No indicators of graphic content, but the body image/bullying themes require some maturity.

Enriching

74

Strong thematic content around body positivity, ageism, perseverance, and finding your tribe. Challenges conventional beauty standards and celebrates diverse bodies and ages. The intergenerational friendship angle offers real empathy-building potential. Reality show critique adds media literacy layer. Decent ratings (6.4 IMDb, 3.4 Letterboxd) suggest it delivers its message without being preachy, though it's not a masterpiece.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely progressive body positivity message that doesn't feel preachy—challenges beauty standards in dance/cheer culture head-on
Intergenerational friendships are rare in teen movies and this premise actually sounds delightful
High audience scores (81% RT) suggest it delivers the feels without being cringe
Reality show satire layer adds smart commentary about manufactured perfection
Could spark real conversations about ageism, body image, and finding community in unexpected places

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What to Watch For

Rated 15+ by Common Sense Media—likely depicts bullying, body-shaming, and social cruelty that younger teens might find intense
The suspension/school conflict setup suggests some challenging teen social dynamics
Indie production from 2017 means production values may feel modest compared to big studio fare
Body image themes require emotional readiness—this isn't light viewing if your kid is struggling with self-image

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Irene connects better with the seniors than kids her own age? What does that say about what she's looking for in friendships?"
"The movie's whole thing is that you don't need to be 'perfect' to be awesome—where else do you see that message, and where do you see the opposite?"
"Have you ever felt judged for how you look or what you're into? How did Irene handle that kind of judgment?"
"What do you think older people and younger people can learn from each other? Do you have any older friends or mentors?"

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