Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, this is an important film. It's beautifully shot, powerfully acted, and addresses critical human rights issues. The 97% Rotten Tomatoes score isn't lying.

But let's be real: this is a rough watch. We're talking about young girls being systematically imprisoned, beaten, married off against their will, and worse. It's meant to be disturbing because the reality it depicts is disturbing.

This isn't a movie for family movie night or even most high schoolers. It's for mature teens (think 16+) who are ready to engage with heavy social justice content, or for adults interested in international cinema and women's rights issues. The kind of film you watch because it's important, not because it's fun.

If you've got a teen who's already engaged with feminism, human rights issues, or who's expressed interest in global perspectives on gender inequality, this could be a valuable (if difficult) watch together. Just know what you're getting into, and be ready for some serious conversations afterward.

Age Fit

This is strictly for older teens (16+) and adults who can handle intense, disturbing content about gender-based oppression. Despite featuring teenage girls as protagonists, the subject matter is far too heavy and triggering for the age group depicted.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

45

While the film portrays sisterly bonds and resilience, the core narrative involves oppressive patriarchal control, forced marriages, and the imprisonment of young girls. The emotional tone is heavy and distressing, depicting abuse and trauma rather than modeling healthy relationships or cooperation. This is intentionally unsettling content meant to critique harmful cultural practices.

Imaginative

72

Strong directorial vision from Deniz Gamze Ergüven with distinctive visual storytelling and a fresh perspective on coming-of-age under oppression. The film uses creative cinematography to contrast the girls' free spirits with their confinement. However, it's a realistic drama rather than one that invites exploration or creative expression from viewers.

Safe

35

Common Sense Media rates this 14+, and the content includes forced marriages, physical abuse, sexual assault implications, suicide, and intense emotional distress. While not gratuitously violent or sexually explicit, these are serious trigger warning topics that would be deeply inappropriate and disturbing for younger viewers. The subject matter is inherently unsafe for children.

Enriching

78

Critically acclaimed (97% RT critics, 83 Metacritic) for its powerful examination of patriarchal oppression, women's autonomy, and cultural practices that harm girls. Offers significant opportunity for discussions about human rights, gender equality, and cultural critique. Builds empathy and critical thinking about global issues, though the entertainment value is secondary to its social commentary.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Powerhouse debut from director Deniz Gamze Ergüven with near-universal critical acclaim (97% RT)
Unflinching look at patriarchal oppression that sparks important conversations about women's rights and bodily autonomy
Strong performances depicting sisterhood and resilience under extreme circumstances
Offers Western teens valuable perspective on gender inequality globally and the privilege of personal freedom

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What to Watch For

Depicts forced marriages, physical abuse, and sexual assault (not graphic but clearly implied)
Suicide scene that is emotionally devastating
Overall tone is oppressive and distressing—this is not entertainment, it's social commentary
May be triggering for anyone with trauma related to abuse, control, or loss of autonomy
Requires emotional maturity to process—definitely not for middle schoolers despite the young protagonists

Conversation Starters

"How would you feel if your freedom was taken away like the sisters in the film?"
"What cultural practices exist in our own society that limit people's choices, even if less extreme?"
"Why do you think the grandmother and uncle believed they were doing the right thing?"
"What would you do if you saw someone being forced into a situation they didn't want?"

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