Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the deal: Inventing Tomorrow is objectively good—well-made, inspiring, educational, and showcases impressive young minds doing real science. The 100% critic score isn't lying.

But let's be honest about what this is: a documentary about teenagers preparing for a science fair. If your kid is the type who watches YouTube videos about engineering or begs to go to science museums, they'll probably love this. If they're not, they'll be checking their phone within 15 minutes.

The WISE scores are high because the content genuinely delivers on wholesome modeling, imagination through real innovation, safety, and enrichment. But the overall score reflects the reality that this is niche appeal—it's not Soul or Spider-Verse where kids and adults alike are glued to the screen. It's a solid educational documentary that will resonate strongly with the right audience and bore everyone else.

If you're looking to inspire a budding scientist or want to show your kids that young people can make real contributions to solving global problems, this is excellent. For general family movie night? Skip it unless STEM is your family's jam.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-16, particularly STEM-interested kids or those already engaged with environmental issues. The 8+ rating is technically accurate for content safety, but realistically most kids under 10 will struggle with the documentary format and pacing. Adults interested in education, science, or climate action will also appreciate it.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

Documentary follows passionate young scientists tackling environmental challenges with dedication and collaboration. Models positive youth engagement with real-world problems, mentorship, and perseverance. No toxic behavior or negative modeling. The tone is uplifting and supportive of adolescent growth, though the weight of climate anxiety could be emotionally heavy for some viewers.

Imaginative

82

Showcases genuine scientific innovation and creative problem-solving from high school students addressing environmental threats. Features real STEM projects and inventions, demonstrating how young minds can approach complex challenges. However, as a documentary rather than narrative fiction, it documents rather than directly invites audience participation in creative expression.

Safe

92

Documentary format with Common Sense Media age rating of 8+. No violence, gore, sexuality, or inappropriate content. Discusses environmental threats which could cause climate anxiety but does so through an empowering lens of youth action. 100% RT critic score and strong audience reception suggest no surprise problematic content. The subject matter is serious but age-appropriate.

Enriching

90

Exceptionally enriching content showcasing real STEM education, scientific method, global perspectives, and youth empowerment. Demonstrates how teenagers can make meaningful contributions to solving planetary challenges. Models persistence, critical thinking, and innovation. However, as a documentary about a science fair, entertainment value may be limited for viewers not already interested in STEM or environmental issues.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Showcases actual young scientists from around the world doing legitimate environmental research—not Hollywood kids pretending to be smart
Perfect for STEM-obsessed kids who dream of inventing solutions or competing in science fairs themselves
Models that teenagers can tackle massive global problems with creativity and persistence, which is genuinely empowering
100% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes suggests it's well-crafted documentary filmmaking, not just educational content masquerading as entertainment
Provides global perspective with young innovators from different countries and cultures working on environmental challenges

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What to Watch For

This is a documentary about a science fair—if your kid isn't already interested in STEM or environmental issues, they'll likely find it dry
Environmental threats are the core subject matter, which could amplify climate anxiety in already-worried kids (though the empowering angle helps)
Runtime and pacing may test attention spans for younger viewers in the 8-10 range, even with Common Sense Media's age 8+ rating
Not a feel-good family movie night pick unless your family specifically enjoys educational documentaries

Conversation Starters

"Which of these projects did you think was most creative? Could you come up with your own idea for helping the environment?"
"How do you think it would feel to present your work to judges at a huge international competition?"
"The kids in this movie are worried about climate change but doing something about it—does that make you feel more hopeful or more worried?"
"Would you ever want to enter a science fair? What would you want to study or invent?"

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