Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the rare documentary that actually delivers on its promise to inspire without being saccharine. It follows nine real teenagers through the highs and lows of competitive science, and somehow manages to make pipetting and data analysis genuinely compelling.

The film's strength is its authenticity—these aren't child prodigies presented as unreachable geniuses, they're real kids with braces and bad haircuts and social anxiety who also happen to be doing groundbreaking research. You see them fail, pivot, stress about their presentations, and deal with losing. That's powerful stuff for kids who think science is only for the naturally gifted.

The 97% critic score is well-earned. It's beautifully shot, well-paced (for a doc), and genuinely funny at times. That said, this is still a documentary, not a Marvel movie. Kids who need constant stimulation will check out. But for the right kid—especially one in grades 5-10 who's even slightly STEM-curious—this could be transformative.

The diversity of students and projects is excellent: kids from Brazil, Germany, Kentucky, West Virginia, South Dakota. The film quietly makes the point that science is for everyone without being preachy about it.

Bottom line: If your kid is in or approaching science fair age, this is essential viewing. If they're not into STEM at all, it probably won't convert them, but it's worth a shot. Available on Disney+ makes it an easy family movie night pick.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-16, especially kids in the science fair sweet spot of middle and early high school. Eight-year-olds could watch but might not connect with the teenage social dynamics. Older teens might find it a bit earnest unless they're already STEM-committed.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

Documentary follows real teens through competition with authentic emotional ups and downs—no manufactured drama, models perseverance and resilience through setbacks, shows healthy mentorship and family support, celebrates intellectual achievement without toxic competitiveness. Teens are presented respectfully with their quirks and personalities intact.

Imaginative

92

Showcases cutting-edge student research across diverse scientific fields—from environmental science to computer science to medicine. Students' creative problem-solving and curiosity are front and center. The documentary format itself invites viewers to think about their own questions and wonder 'what if I tried to solve that problem?' Celebrates intellectual risk-taking and original thinking.

Safe

95

Documentary format with no violence, gore, sexuality, or frightening content. Common Sense Media rates it for age 8+. Some mild teen anxiety and competition stress shown authentically but not traumatically. No surprise disturbing content. The 'rivalries' mentioned are academic competition, not interpersonal toxicity. Clean, straightforward documentary storytelling.

Enriching

94

Exceptional educational value—exposes kids to real scientific method, diverse STEM fields, and international perspectives. Models grit, intellectual curiosity, and handling failure. Shows that science is accessible to kids from all backgrounds. Inspires STEM interest without being preachy. Strong critical acclaim (97% RT critics, 79 Metacritic) validates quality. Genuinely entertaining while being deeply informative.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Shows real kids doing extraordinary science—not actors, not scripted, just genuine teenage brilliance and awkwardness
Features diverse students from around the world tackling problems from cancer research to water purification to AI
Models healthy competition, resilience through failure, and the reality that science is messy and iterative
Could genuinely inspire your kid to start their own research project or science fair journey
Critically acclaimed (97% on Rotten Tomatoes) and actually entertaining—not just 'good for you' content

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What to Watch For

Documentary pacing means this won't work for kids who need constant action—it's observational and character-driven
Some scenes show teens stressed about competition results and dealing with disappointment (handled maturely but real)
Best for kids already interested in science or needing a push—won't convert total STEM skeptics on its own
A few moments of teen social awkwardness that might make middle schoolers cringe-laugh

Conversation Starters

"Which student's project did you find most interesting? What problem would you want to research if you could study anything?"
"How did those kids handle losing or not advancing? What do you think that teaches about failure in science?"
"Did any of the students remind you of yourself or kids you know? What made them relatable or different?"
"Do you think you'd ever want to enter a science fair? What would stop you or motivate you to try?"

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