Reality – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Reality

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2015

58%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A director has 48 hours to find the perfect groan of pain—quirky meta-comedy that's more film-school curiosity than family viewing.

64%

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Reality

movie

NR, 2015

58%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A director has 48 hours to find the perfect groan of pain—quirky meta-comedy that's more film-school curiosity than family viewing.

64%

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Screenwise Verdict

Reality is one of those oddball short films that sounds more interesting on paper than it plays on screen. The premise—a desperate director hunting for the perfect groan of pain—has potential, but middling reviews suggest it doesn't quite stick the landing.

It's rated 15+ by Common Sense Media, which tells you it's not family fare, and the niche availability (Kanopy, AMC+) means you'd have to seek it out deliberately. If you've got a teen interested in filmmaking or absurdist humor, it could be a fun conversation starter. For everyone else? It's a curiosity that won't hurt anyone but probably won't blow minds either.

Bottom line: this is a 'sure, if you're really curious' watch, not a 'drop everything and find this' recommendation.

Age Fit

Best for teens 15+ who are into film, meta-comedy, or quirky indie shorts. The premise and tone are too abstract and cynical for younger kids, and most adults would find it a mildly amusing curiosity at best.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A quirky meta-comedy about filmmaking with no overt inappropriate content, but the absurdist premise (hunting for the perfect groan of pain) and tone skew cynical rather than uplifting. Common Sense Media's age 15+ rating suggests some mature themes or humor that may not model positive behavior.

Imaginative

The premise is genuinely creative—a director searching for the perfect Oscar-worthy groan is both absurd and original. Meta-commentary on filmmaking and performance can spark curiosity about how movies are made, though as a short film it has limited room to develop ideas.

Safe

No flagged content warnings in available data. Common Sense Media rates it 15+, suggesting some mature elements but nothing extreme. The premise involves finding 'pain' sounds which could be mildly unsettling but likely played for comedy. Moderate ratings (6.9 IMDb, 64% RT) suggest no major red flags, though the lack of detailed parental guides means some uncertainty remains.

Enriching

Offers a peek behind the curtain of filmmaking and the absurdity of artistic pursuit, which has some intellectual merit. However, as a short film with middling reviews (Metacritic 55), it's more of a quirky curiosity than a deeply meaningful experience. Limited runtime caps its ability to deliver substantial takeaways.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely weird premise that pulls back the curtain on filmmaking absurdity
Short runtime means it won't overstay its welcome if you're curious
Could spark interesting conversations about art, performance, and what makes something 'Oscar-worthy'
Meta-humor appeals to teens interested in film or creative processes

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What to Watch For

Age 15+ rating suggests mature humor or themes—not for younger kids
Very niche appeal; middling reviews mean it may not land for everyone
Limited availability (Kanopy, AMC+, Philo) makes it hard to access casually
As a short film, it's more of a one-off curiosity than a substantial watch

Conversation Starters

"If you had to find the 'perfect' sound for a movie, what would you look for? How would you even know when you found it?"
"Do you think actors and directors really obsess over tiny details like this, or is the movie exaggerating?"
"What's the weirdest or funniest behind-the-scenes movie fact you've heard?"

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