Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a tough one to categorize. On paper, it's a charming Australian indie about a quirky kid trying to reunite her family. In practice, it's emotionally heavy—SIDS, depression, antidepressants, a teapot-throwing injury, and a brief scene where the protagonist tries to drown herself. That's a lot.

But here's the thing: for the right kid at the right age (10–13, emotionally mature, with a parent ready to talk), this film is genuinely valuable. It treats grief and mental health with respect, humor, and zero condescension. Candice is a memorable protagonist—her dictionary obsession and relentless optimism feel earned, not saccharine. The 'inter-dimensional' subplot is a clever way to frame imagination as a survival tool.

The 81% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects real craft, and the quirky Australian sensibility sets it apart from typical family fare. But this is not a casual Friday night pick. It requires prep, co-viewing, and follow-up conversation. If your family has experienced loss or is navigating tough emotions, this could be a powerful watch. If you're looking for something lighter, skip it.

Bottom line: A thoughtful, well-made film that earns its emotional weight—but only if you're ready for it.

Age Fit

Best for 10–13-year-olds who can handle themes of grief, depression, and family conflict with parental co-viewing. The quirky tone and hopeful message work well for emotionally mature tweens, but younger or more sensitive kids may find the attempted drowning scene and SIDS subplot too intense.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

Candice's boundless optimism and determination to heal her family is genuinely heartwarming, and the film models empathy, resilience, and the power of human connection. However, the emotional landscape is heavy—a baby's SIDS death, parental depression, antidepressant use, family estrangement, and a scene where Candice attempts to drown herself as a misguided 'fix.' The tone stays hopeful and quirky rather than wallowing, but these are mature themes that require parental co-viewing and conversation. Mild profanity ('damn,' 'hell,' 'bugger,' 'crap') and some bullying insults ('freakard') appear. A teapot-throwing scene results in brief blood on Candice's neck. The film doesn't shy away from the messiness of grief, which is both honest and potentially overwhelming for younger or more sensitive kids.

Imaginative

78

The premise is delightfully offbeat: a dictionary-obsessed 12-year-old teams up with a boy who claims to be from another dimension and plans to jump from the highest tree to return home. This 'inter-dimensional' subplot provides a whimsical, metaphorical lens for processing grief and isolation. Candice's love of language, her elaborate schemes to reunite her family, and the film's quirky visual style invite curiosity and creative problem-solving. It's not a fantasy epic, but it uses imagination as a coping mechanism in a way that feels fresh and emotionally resonant.

Safe

58

This is where the film stumbles for younger audiences. The attempted drowning scene is brief but jarring—Candice jumps into the sea as a desperate gesture, and while it's framed as misguided rather than suicidal, it's a genuine trigger warning moment. The baby sister's SIDS death is revisited in a nightmare sequence. A mother throws a teapot that shatters and cuts Candice's neck (mild blood shown). There's a gag involving homemade inflatable fake breasts. The mother's depression and antidepressant use are depicted matter-of-factly but require context for kids. Bullying insults and mild profanity appear throughout. BBFC rated it 12, Common Sense Media suggests 10+, and MovieGuide flags 'Extreme caution for older teenagers and adults.' This is not a film you put on for a surprise family movie night with young kids—it demands prep and co-viewing.

Enriching

80

For the right age group (10–13 with parental guidance), this film is a powerful springboard for conversations about grief, mental health, family conflict, and resilience. Candice's vocabulary obsession and her methodical approach to problem-solving model intellectual curiosity. The film treats depression and antidepressants without stigma, which is valuable. It doesn't offer easy answers—healing is messy and nonlinear—but it affirms that hope and connection matter. The quirky humor keeps it from becoming a slog, and the 81% Rotten Tomatoes critic score reflects genuine craft. Kids who've experienced loss or family tension will find validation here, and it can open up important dialogues about seeking help and staying hopeful.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Candice is a wonderfully specific protagonist—her vocabulary obsession and relentless optimism feel real, not cloying
Tackles grief, depression, and family estrangement with honesty and humor, avoiding easy answers or saccharine resolutions
The 'inter-dimensional' subplot is a clever metaphor for using imagination to cope with overwhelming emotions
Strong craft (81% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a distinctive Australian voice that stands out from typical family fare
Opens the door for meaningful conversations about mental health, antidepressants, SIDS, and asking for help

⚠

What to Watch For

A scene where Candice jumps into the sea in a misguided attempt to 'fix' things—brief but potentially upsetting
The baby sister's SIDS death is central to the plot and revisited in a nightmare; requires context for kids unfamiliar with infant loss
Mild profanity ('damn,' 'hell,' 'bugger,' 'crap') and bullying insults ('freakard') appear throughout
A teapot-throwing scene results in a small cut on Candice's neck (brief blood shown)
Mother's depression and antidepressant use are depicted—valuable for destigmatizing, but needs framing for younger viewers

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Candice loves dictionaries so much? What does she get from words that she's not getting from people?"
"Douglas says he's from another dimension—do you think he really believes that, or is it a way to cope with something else?"
"Candice's mom is really sad about the baby who died. What are some healthy ways people can deal with big, hard feelings like that?"
"Have you ever felt like Candice—like you're trying really hard to fix something but it's not working? What did you do?"
"The movie shows Candice's mom taking 'happy pills' (antidepressants). Why do you think some people need medicine to help with their feelings?"

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