Paddleton – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Paddleton

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2019

58%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Two awkward neighbors face terminal cancer together in this devastatingly tender Netflix indie that'll wreck you in the best way.

7.2/10

89%

→

Paddleton

movie

TV-MA, 2019

58%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Two awkward neighbors face terminal cancer together in this devastatingly tender Netflix indie that'll wreck you in the best way.

7.2

89%

Jump to

Also rated on

7.2/10

89%

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Look, this is a beautiful film about friendship and facing death with dignity. It's tender, funny in quiet ways, and Ray Romano is genuinely great. The critical scores don't lie—this is quality indie filmmaking.

But let's be real: this is NOT family movie night unless your family is ready for a serious gut-punch about terminal illness and assisted suicide. It's slow, it's sad, and it requires emotional maturity to process.

For older teens (16+) navigating questions about mortality, autonomy, and what it means to be there for people you love? This could be incredibly enriching. For anyone younger or anyone seeking lighter fare? Hard pass. This earns its modest WISE score not because it's bad—it's actually quite good—but because its audience is narrow and its safety concerns are real.

Age Fit

Best for mature 16+ teens and adults who can handle heavy themes about mortality and loss. Younger teens will struggle with the emotional weight, and kids under 14 shouldn't be near this—it's just too much, too sad, too real.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models deep, genuine friendship and emotional vulnerability between two men. Shows kindness, loyalty, and authentic care during crisis. The comedy-drama balance keeps it from being overly heavy, though the subject matter (terminal illness, assisted death) is inherently difficult. Pacing is deliberate and quiet rather than chaotic.

Imaginative

This is a character-driven indie drama focused on realism over imagination. The 'paddleton' game they play is quirky and inventive, and the road-trip structure offers some exploration, but this isn't about sparking creativity or building worlds—it's about two ordinary guys in an extraordinary situation. Limited imaginative spark.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 15+, which signals mature content. The entire premise revolves around terminal cancer and medically-assisted death—heavy, triggering material that would be completely inappropriate for younger viewers. While there's no graphic violence, gore, or sexual content, the emotional weight and death themes are serious safety concerns for families with younger kids. This is NOT something you'd want a 10-year-old stumbling into.

Enriching

Exceptionally enriching for mature teens and adults. Tackles mortality, friendship, autonomy, and what it means to show up for someone you love. Strong critical reception (89% RT, 7.2 IMDb, 3.9 Letterboxd) suggests meaningful storytelling. Offers deep opportunities for discussions about ethics, compassion, and facing hard truths. However, entertainment value is modest—this is a slow, contemplative indie film.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Models profound male friendship without toxic masculinity—just two guys being vulnerable and showing up for each other
Tackles end-of-life autonomy and assisted death with nuance and compassion, opening space for important family conversations
Strong critical reception (89% RT) suggests quality storytelling that respects its difficult subject matter
Balances heavy themes with genuine humor—it's sad but not manipulative or maudlin
Ray Romano and Mark Duplass deliver authentic, understated performances

⚠

What to Watch For

The entire film centers on terminal cancer and medically-assisted death—this is NOT background content, it's the story
Slow, quiet pacing of an indie character study—kids expecting action or laughs will be bored
Emotionally intense even for mature viewers—have tissues ready and be prepared for heavy conversations
Language and some adult themes make this strictly 16+ territory despite lack of graphic content

Conversation Starters

"What do you think makes a friendship strong enough to handle something this hard?"
"How would you want your friends to show up for you during a really difficult time?"
"The movie shows someone making choices about their own death—what do you think about people having that kind of control?"
"Why do you think it's sometimes harder for guys to be vulnerable with each other about emotions?"
"If you only had a short time left, what would matter most to you?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic