Kiss the Ground – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Kiss the Ground

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2020

72%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

An earnest environmental doc that makes dirt sexy—if your kid can stay awake through the soil science.

8.1/10

88%

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Kiss the Ground

movie

PG, 2020

72%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

An earnest environmental doc that makes dirt sexy—if your kid can stay awake through the soil science.

8.1

88%

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8.1/10

88%

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Screenwise Verdict

Kiss the Ground is that rare environmental documentary that doesn't just bum you out—it actually offers solutions. The science is solid, the message is hopeful, and it tackles a genuinely important topic (soil health and regenerative agriculture) that most kids have never thought about.

That said, let's be real: this is still a documentary about dirt. Netflix production values help, but you're not getting Planet Earth-level cinematography here. It's earnest, educational, and a bit dry (ironically, given it's about soil moisture). The 99% audience score tells you it works for people who choose to watch it, but 'choosing to watch a soil documentary' is doing some heavy lifting.

If your kid is already into environmental stuff, gardening, or how things work, this could genuinely spark something. If they're not? You might get 20 minutes in before the 'I'm bored' starts. It's enriching as hell, but entertainment value is moderate at best for most kids.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-16, especially kids already curious about environmental issues or science. Younger kids will struggle with the pacing and concepts; older teens might find it a bit basic or preachy depending on their existing knowledge.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Documentary presents a hopeful, solutions-focused message about environmental stewardship. Models cooperation between diverse groups (activists, scientists, farmers, politicians) working toward a common goal. Tone is earnest and optimistic rather than doom-and-gloom, which is emotionally healthy for kids learning about climate issues. No interpersonal conflict or negative modeling.

Imaginative

Presents regenerative agriculture as a creative, innovative solution to climate problems, reframing soil as a living system rather than just dirt. Invites viewers to think differently about food systems and environmental solutions. However, as a documentary about farming practices, it's more educational than imaginatively stimulating—it explains rather than invites hands-on creative expression. The 'revolutionary' framing adds some spark but doesn't fully compensate for the inherently dry subject matter.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it for age 10+, suggesting no graphic content. As an environmental documentary, no violence, gore, sexuality, or scary content expected. The subject matter (climate change) could cause some eco-anxiety in sensitive kids, but the solutions-focused approach mitigates this. No interactive features, social elements, or monetization concerns. Rotten Tomatoes scores (88% critics, 99% audience) suggest broad appeal without controversy.

Enriching

Highly educational about soil science, climate systems, and sustainable agriculture—topics rarely covered in school curricula. Strong critical thinking opportunity about food systems and environmental solutions. IMDb 8.1 and near-perfect audience score (99% RT) indicate meaningful impact. Builds scientific literacy and environmental awareness. However, entertainment value may be limited for younger kids—it's informative but not particularly dynamic as documentaries go.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Actually hopeful climate content that won't send your kid into a spiral about the planet dying
Teaches legitimate science about soil, carbon cycles, and agriculture that schools barely touch
Shows real-world problem-solving and collaboration across different groups (farmers, scientists, activists)
Could inspire kids interested in environmental careers, farming, or food systems
Near-perfect audience scores suggest it resonates with people who actually watch it

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What to Watch For

It's a documentary about soil—even with slick Netflix production, this is still fundamentally about farming practices and carbon sequestration
Best for kids already interested in environmental issues; probably won't convert the Fortnite-obsessed
Some kids may feel anxious about climate change even with the solutions focus
Runtime and pacing may lose younger viewers despite the age 10+ rating

Conversation Starters

"What surprised you most about how soil works?"
"Do you think changing how we farm could really help with climate change?"
"Would you ever want to be a farmer? Why or why not?"
"What's one thing our family could do differently about food after watching this?"
"Why do you think most people don't know this stuff about soil?"

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