Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those rare sports biopics that actually works—it's funny, heartfelt, and doesn't sugarcoat the messy reality of chasing dreams. The wrestling world provides great color, but the real story is about family, perseverance, and what happens when only one person gets the golden ticket.

The WISE score sits at 72 because while it delivers strong enriching content and wholesome family themes, it's firmly PG-13 territory with language and crude humor that makes it inappropriate for younger kids. It's not particularly imaginative (true stories rarely are), but it executes the biopic formula with genuine heart and British wit.

The 93% Rotten Tomatoes critic score isn't inflated—this is legitimately well-made. If your teen is into wrestling, underdog stories, or just needs to see that success doesn't always look like what you expect, this delivers. Just know you're getting real working-class British family dynamics, which means some rough language and blunt conversations.

It's 2019, so recent enough to feel current, and the runtime keeps it moving. Not a masterpiece, but a solid, entertaining watch that'll probably spark some good conversations about ambition, family loyalty, and finding your own path.

Age Fit

Best for teens 13+ who can handle PG-13 content and appreciate character-driven sports dramas. Younger kids won't get the nuance, and older teens might find it a bit earnest, but the 13-16 sweet spot will likely connect with the underdog story and family dynamics.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Based on the true story of WWE wrestler Paige, this film models family support, perseverance, and pursuing dreams against the odds. The wrestling family dynamic shows genuine care despite their unconventional lifestyle. However, it's a PG-13 world with some crude humor and language typical of the wrestling milieu, keeping it from being squeaky clean. The emotional tone is ultimately uplifting about overcoming obstacles and staying true to yourself.

Imaginative

62

As a biographical drama, it's grounded in real events rather than fantastical storytelling. The wrestling world provides some colorful backdrop, but this isn't a film that invites creative expression or exploratory play. It does show an unconventional path to success and the imagination required to see yourself achieving big dreams when you're from a small town. Stephen Merchant's direction brings some creative flair to the sports biopic formula, but it's still fundamentally a true story following a predictable arc.

Safe

68

Common Sense Media rates it for 13+, which aligns with its PG-13 territory. Wrestling violence is staged but present throughout. Expect some profanity, crude humor, and brief sexual references typical of the genre. No graphic content, but there's intensity around family conflict and the physical nature of wrestling. The Rotten Tomatoes scores (93% critics, 86% audience) suggest it handles its content responsibly. Not something that will traumatize, but definitely has edge that makes it inappropriate for younger kids without warning.

Enriching

79

Strong messages about perseverance, gender equality in sports, family loyalty, and staying authentic. Shows the hard work behind entertainment, the sacrifices athletes make, and how success isn't always what you expect. The film explores class dynamics, sibling rivalry handled maturely, and what happens when only one family member 'makes it.' Dwayne Johnson appears as himself, adding meta-commentary about the wrestling world. It's genuinely entertaining while delivering meaningful life lessons about resilience and finding your place.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Based on the true story of WWE star Paige—shows that unconventional paths and working-class grit can lead to extraordinary success
Excellent family dynamics: supportive parents and realistic sibling relationships where not everyone gets the same opportunities
Strong female protagonist in a male-dominated sport, tackling gender dynamics without being preachy about it
Actually funny (written/directed by Stephen Merchant of The Office fame) while still delivering genuine emotional moments
Shows the unglamorous reality behind entertainment success—the training, rejection, sacrifice, and what happens to those left behind

⚠

What to Watch For

PG-13 language throughout, including British slang and wrestling trash talk—not constant F-bombs but definitely not G-rated
Wrestling violence is staged but physical; some crude humor and brief sexual references
Themes of rejection and family members taking different paths might hit hard for some kids
The intensity of competition and what it takes to 'make it' could feel pressuring for perfectionistic kids

Conversation Starters

"What would you do if your sibling got the opportunity you both wanted? How did Zak handle it?"
"The movie shows how Paige had to figure out her own wrestling persona. What makes someone authentic versus just copying others?"
"Do you think the family's unconventional lifestyle was good for the kids? What are the trade-offs of pursuing a non-traditional career?"
"How did Paige deal with not fitting in with the other WWE recruits? When have you felt like the outsider?"
"The film shows both the glamorous and unglamorous sides of wrestling. What other careers look different from the outside than they really are?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Fighting with My Family