Our Souls at Night – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Our Souls at Night

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2017

42%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Robert Redford and Jane Fonda have sleepovers (literally just sleeping) in this glacially-paced meditation on loneliness and aging.

91%

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Our Souls at Night

movie

12, 2017

42%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Robert Redford and Jane Fonda have sleepovers (literally just sleeping) in this glacially-paced meditation on loneliness and aging.

91%

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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the truth: this is a lovely, well-crafted film about elderly loneliness and late-life companionship. Critics loved it. Your parents might love it. But unless you're trying to teach your teen about empathy for the elderly or you have a very unusual child who enjoys geriatric romance, this belongs nowhere near a family movie night.

The WISE components are solid for what it is—wholesome themes, safe content, some enrichment around vulnerability and connection. But the Imaginative score is abysmal and the watchability factor for anyone under 40 is nearly zero. It's slower than molasses, features protagonists who are literally just lying in bed talking about their dead spouses, and has about as much kid-appeal as a documentary about tax law.

If you're looking for something to watch with your kids, keep scrolling. If you want a quiet Sunday afternoon movie for yourself after the kids are in bed, this might hit the spot.

Age Fit

Realistically, this is for adults 40+ who appreciate slow-burn character dramas. The 13+ rating reflects content safety, not interest level—no 13-year-old is choosing this over literally anything else.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A gentle story about two lonely neighbors forming an unexpected companionship in their later years. Models emotional vulnerability, kindness, and the courage to reach out for human connection. The pacing is slow and contemplative—perfect for adults, but will feel glacial to most kids. Themes of loneliness, aging, and late-life romance are handled with maturity and warmth.

Imaginative

This is a straightforward, realistic drama about elderly widowed neighbors. There's no creative world-building, fantasy elements, or invitation to explore ideas beyond the literal narrative. It's a character study, not an imaginative journey. For kids or teens, there's nothing here that sparks curiosity or creative thinking—it's just two old people talking in bed (platonically).

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 13+, likely due to mature themes (grief, loneliness, family conflict) rather than graphic content. No violence, gore, nudity, or sexual content. The 'surprise' factor is low—this is exactly what it appears to be: a quiet, tender drama. Some emotional heaviness around loss and strained family relationships, but nothing traumatic or triggering for most viewers.

Enriching

Strong performances (Robert Redford and Jane Fonda) and thoughtful exploration of loneliness, vulnerability, and the importance of human connection at any age. Could spark meaningful conversations about aging, grief, and taking emotional risks. However, the enrichment value is almost entirely for adults—kids and teens will struggle to relate to or care about septuagenarian romance and end-of-life companionship. High critic scores (91% RT) suggest quality filmmaking, but entertainment value for young audiences is near zero.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely tender portrayal of late-life companionship and emotional vulnerability
Could open conversations about loneliness, grief, and the courage it takes to reach out to others
Strong performances from Hollywood legends in a thoughtful, well-reviewed drama (91% critic score)
Models that it's never too late to form new connections and take emotional risks

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What to Watch For

This is an adult drama about people in their 70s—kids and teens will be bored to tears within 10 minutes
Themes of grief, loneliness, and family estrangement may feel heavy for younger viewers
Extremely slow pacing with minimal plot—this is a character study, not a story with action or excitement
The 13+ rating is about emotional maturity, not content concerns

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Addie was brave enough to knock on Louis's door after all those years?"
"Have you ever felt lonely even when people are around? What helps?"
"Why do you think their adult children reacted the way they did to their relationship?"
"What does this movie say about taking risks when you're scared of being rejected?"

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