Is there actual sex in the movie?

No. There is a lot of sexual tension and frank dialogue about sex, but the film doesn't feature any graphic sexual encounters between the main characters.

What's the deal with the Japanese restaurant scenes?

A character named Jerry Frick speaks to his Japanese wives in a mock-Asian accent. It's meant to portray him as a buffoon and a product of his time, but it's a scene that requires some context-setting for younger viewers.

Is it based on a true story?

Loosely. Many of Gary's adventures (like the waterbed business and being a child actor) are based on the real-life stories of film producer Gary Goetzman.

Will my kid be bored by the 2-hour runtime?

Probably, unless they are already 'into' movies. It’s a slow-burn 'hang-out' movie without a traditional villain or high-stakes climax.

Licorice Pizza – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Licorice Pizza

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2021

72%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A sun-drenched 1970s fever dream that's one part coming-of-age hustle and two parts 'wait, is that age gap actually okay?'

90%

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Licorice Pizza

movie

R, 2021

72%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A sun-drenched 1970s fever dream that's one part coming-of-age hustle and two parts 'wait, is that age gap actually okay?'

90%

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90%

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Screenwise Verdict

If you’re looking for a clean, linear story, keep walking. This is a 'hang-out' movie that prioritizes vibes and character over a tight plot. It’s brilliant filmmaking, but the central relationship between a 15-year-old and a 25-year-old is designed to make you a little uncomfortable.

It’s a great pick for a teen who is into film history or loves a good period piece, provided you're ready to talk about the 'problematic' elements afterward. It doesn't moralize, which makes it a better conversation starter than a standard 'after-school special.'

Age Fit

This is strictly for the 15+ crowd. Between the R-rated language and the maturity required to parse the 'is this okay?' relationship dynamics, younger teens will likely just be bored or confused.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It's a messy, honest look at growing up, but the central relationship is intentionally awkward and legally/socially problematic. It captures the 'spirit' of the 70s, which includes a lot of behavior we've moved past.

Imaginative

Paul Thomas Anderson's direction is incredibly vivid. It's a masterclass in world-building through texture, sound, and unconventional character choices rather than CGI spectacles.

Safe

Rated R for language and sexual references. The biggest 'safety' hurdle is the 10-year age gap between the leads (15 and 25) and a few scenes of period-accurate but jarring casual racism.

Enriching

Excellent for historical context of the 1970s (the gas crisis, the birth of boutique industries) and for discussing the nuances of power dynamics in relationships.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Alana Haim delivers one of the most natural, electric debut performances in years.
The 1973 San Fernando Valley setting is so immersive you can practically smell the sunscreen and exhaust.
It celebrates the chaotic entrepreneurial spirit of a kid who will sell anything from waterbeds to pinball machines.
The soundtrack is an absolute time capsule masterclass that avoids the usual '70s greatest hits' clichés.

⚠

What to Watch For

The 15-to-25 age gap is the central tension; it's handled with a 70s haze that might feel icky to modern viewers.
Two scenes involving a white restaurant owner using a mock-Asian accent are meant to show his ignorance, but they're still tough to watch.
The R-rating is earned mostly through frequent F-bombs and frank talk about sex, though it's rarely graphic.

Conversation Starters

"Does the movie make Gary and Alana's relationship look romantic or just weird?"
"Why do you think Gary is so obsessed with starting businesses at fifteen?"
"How does the 1970s 'gas crisis' shown in the movie compare to the energy conversations we have today?"
"What did you think of the restaurant owner scenes? Was the movie making fun of him or the women?"

Deep Dive

The San Fernando Valley as a Character

Paul Thomas Anderson isn't just making a movie about two people; he's making a movie about a specific intersection of time and geography. The 1973 San Fernando Valley in Licorice Pizza feels lived-in and sweaty. From the waterbed craze to the sudden realization that the world is running out of gas, the film captures the transition from the idealism of the 60s to the gritty reality of the 70s.

The Elephant in the Room

We have to talk about the age gap. Gary is 15. Alana is 25. The film doesn't shy away from this, but it also doesn't condemn it in the way a 2026 audience might expect. It treats their bond as a collision of two people who don't quite fit anywhere else. Gary is a child pretending to be an adult businessman; Alana is an adult who feels like a child compared to her peers. While it never crosses into graphic territory, the emotional intimacy between them is the core 'watch-out' for parents.

Why It Works (and Why It Doesn't for Some)

This is a movie of vignettes. One minute they're running a waterbed company, the next they're stuck in a truck with a cocaine-fueled Bradley Cooper (who is terrifyingly funny). If your kid needs a clear 'A to B' plot, they will hate this. But if they appreciate a movie that feels like a long, wandering summer night, this is as good as it gets. Just be prepared for the 'Jerry Frick' scenes at the Japanese restaurant—they are intended to satirize the casual racism of the era, but they remain the film's most controversial and jarring moments.

What Parents Ask

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