Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Screenwise Verdict

Look, this movie wants to destroy you emotionally, and it succeeds. The premise—dying mom must accept that her ex's new girlfriend will raise her kids—is brutal, and the film milks every tear.

The good: it's surprisingly fair to everyone involved. Julia Roberts' Isabel isn't a wicked stepmother, Susan Sarandon's Jackie isn't a bitter ex, and Ed Harris's dad isn't a clueless idiot. They're all trying their best in an impossible situation. For families navigating blended dynamics (minus the terminal illness), there's real value here.

The bad: it's a 1998 melodrama that feels every bit of its age. The pacing drags, the emotional manipulation is obvious, and critics were split (45% on RT) for good reason—it's competent but formulaic. Modern kids raised on tighter streaming content will likely check out.

Bottom line: if you've got a mature teen ready to discuss heavy topics like death and stepfamilies, and you don't mind a dated weeper, it's fine. But don't expect anyone under 13 to sit through it, and honestly, there are better family dramas that won't leave everyone sobbing into their popcorn.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media pegs this at 13+, and that feels right—the terminal illness plot and emotional weight require maturity. Younger kids won't engage with the slow 90s pacing, and the themes are too heavy. This is really for teens who can handle serious family drama, or adults looking for a good cry.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

Tackles divorce and terminal illness with genuine emotional depth. Models mature conflict resolution between ex-spouses and the stepmother, showing characters learning to cooperate for the kids' sake. Some profanity and sexual references present but contextually appropriate for the PG-13 rating. The film's core message about blended families finding common ground is emotionally healthy, though the heavy subject matter requires readiness.

Imaginative

38

Straightforward family drama with no fantastical elements or creative world-building. Photography elements (Isabel's career) provide some visual interest but don't invite much viewer creativity. The emotional storytelling is competent but conventional—this is a tearjerker following a well-worn formula, not breaking new ground.

Safe

55

The terminal illness plot is the main concern—this is designed to make you sob, and the death theme is central and unavoidable. Common Sense Media flags 'harsh names,' sex talk with a tween, heavy making out, and drug use. PG-13 content includes moderate profanity. No graphic violence or nudity, but the emotional intensity around a mother dying and leaving her children is genuinely heavy and could be triggering for families dealing with similar issues.

Enriching

68

Offers meaningful exploration of blended family dynamics, grief, and what it means to mother. The film doesn't shy away from complicated emotions—jealousy, resentment, fear—and shows characters working through them. Can spark important conversations about loss, family structure, and acceptance. However, it's more emotionally manipulative than genuinely insightful, leaning hard into the tearjerker formula rather than offering fresh perspective.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Honestly portrays the messy emotions of blended families—jealousy, resentment, and eventual acceptance without making anyone the villain
Strong performances from Roberts and Sarandon sell the emotional complexity of two women learning to co-parent
Opens up important conversations about grief, loss, and what family means when it doesn't look traditional
Shows kids processing divorce and a parent's illness in realistic ways—the anger, confusion, and sadness feel authentic

⚠

What to Watch For

This is a full-on tearjerker about a mother dying of cancer—if your family is dealing with illness or recent loss, this could be rough
Moderate profanity throughout, some sexual innuendo, and references to a tween girl dealing with harassment at school
The 1998 pacing and style feels slow and dated compared to modern family dramas—kids used to current streaming content may find it boring
Heavy making out scenes between adults and some drug use references

Conversation Starters

"How do you think Anna felt about Isabel at the beginning versus the end? What changed?"
"If you were Ben or Anna, what would be the hardest part about your parents being divorced?"
"Why do you think Jackie was so angry at Isabel? Was it fair?"
"What does it mean to be a 'real' mom? Can someone have more than one?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Stepmom