Gifted

Gifted

movie

PG-13, 2017, Drama

WISE
68%

WISE Score

73

Avg. Tomatometer

Chris Evans trades his shield for single dad duty in this weepy custody battle over a math prodigy niece.

IMDb7.6
RT Critics73%
MC60
Common Sense Media
Where to Watch
Loading streaming options...
Where-to-watch data byJustWatch
Screenwise Verdict

Gifted is a solid, emotionally satisfying drama that'll make you cry and think about what it means to do right by a kid—especially a gifted one. Chris Evans is surprisingly good, and the central question (nurture genius or preserve childhood?) is genuinely interesting.

That said, it's not exactly groundbreaking. You've seen this custody battle movie before, just with a math prodigy twist. It's well-executed but predictable, and while the 7.6 IMDb rating shows people liked it, the 60 Metacritic suggests critics found it a bit formulaic.

For families with tweens and teens, especially those navigating gifted programs or thinking about work-life balance for kids, it's a worthwhile watch that'll spark good conversations. Just know you're signing up for a weepy family drama, not an intellectual exploration of genius. Bring tissues, lower expectations for originality, and you'll have a decent movie night.

Age Fit

Best for ages 12-16 who can handle emotionally complex family drama and understand nuanced debates about parenting and potential. Younger kids will be bored by courtroom scenes; older teens might find it a bit predictable.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
78

Models loving family bonds and sacrifice as Frank raises his niece Mary with care and devotion. The custody battle creates emotional tension but centers on what's best for the child. Pacing is measured and thoughtful, focusing on relationships over chaos. Some adult themes around loss and family conflict, but handled with emotional maturity.

Imaginative
62

The premise of a child math prodigy offers some intellectual curiosity, but the film is a straightforward custody drama rather than an exploration of genius or creative problem-solving. Limited invitation for kids to engage creatively—it's more about watching a legal/family conflict unfold than sparking imagination or exploration.

Safe
70

Common Sense Media rates it 12+. No graphic violence, sex, or gore. Some emotional intensity around loss (Mary's mother's suicide is referenced), custody battles, and family conflict that could be heavy for younger viewers. A few adult themes and mild language. No shocking content, but the emotional weight of grief and family separation requires maturity.

Enriching
72

Strong themes about balancing gifted education with childhood normalcy, family loyalty, and what it means to truly care for a child's wellbeing. Raises meaningful questions about nurturing talent vs. letting kids be kids. Chris Evans delivers a solid performance. The 7.6 IMDb and 85% audience score suggest it resonates emotionally. However, it's more emotionally enriching than intellectually stimulating—you'll cry, but won't learn much.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Thoughtful exploration of how to raise a gifted child without crushing their childhood—the 'let her be a kid vs. maximize her potential' debate hits home
  • Chris Evans is genuinely good in a non-superhero role, showing warmth and vulnerability as Uncle Frank
  • Strong emotional core about chosen family and sacrifice that'll make you reach for tissues
  • Raises important questions about what success and happiness really mean for kids
  • The 7.6 IMDb rating and 85% audience score suggest it connects emotionally with viewers
⚠

What to Watch For

  • Mary's mother's suicide is referenced and discussed—not graphic, but heavy and requires emotional maturity
  • The custody battle gets intense with courtroom scenes and family conflict that younger kids won't fully grasp
  • Some mild language and adult themes throughout
  • It's a tearjerker—be ready for big feelings about loss, family, and doing right by kids you love

Conversation Starters

  • "If you were really good at something, would you want to spend all your time on it, or would you want to do other stuff too?"
  • "What do you think makes someone a good parent or guardian? Is it about giving kids the best opportunities or letting them choose their own path?"
  • "Frank and his mom totally disagree about what's best for Mary. Have you ever seen adults in your life disagree about what's best for a kid?"
  • "Mary is a math genius but Frank wants her to have a 'normal' childhood. What does a normal childhood even mean? Is that a good thing or a boring thing?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about Gifted? Put this WISE score on your site