Teen Spirit – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Teen Spirit

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2019Short, Comedy

63%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Shy farm girl enters talent competition in this predictable but earnest indie that's basically A Star Is Born for the TikTok generation—minus the tragedy.

6.1/10

73%

55%

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Teen Spirit

movie

PG-13, 2019, Short, Comedy

63%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Shy farm girl enters talent competition in this predictable but earnest indie that's basically A Star Is Born for the TikTok generation—minus the tragedy.

6.1

73%

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6.1/10

73%

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Screenwise Verdict

Teen Spirit wants to be an indie darling about artistic integrity, but it's hamstrung by a paint-by-numbers talent-show plot that we've all seen a dozen times. Elle Fanning is excellent and her live singing elevates the material, but the script doesn't trust itself to go anywhere surprising.

The 73% critic score vs. 55% audience score tells the story: critics appreciated the craft and Fanning's performance, but regular viewers found it predictable and a bit dull. It's not bad—just safe and formulaic in a way that undermines its own message about authenticity.

For teens genuinely interested in music or performance, there's value here in the mentorship dynamic and the (light) exploration of industry pressures. The party scenes and brief predatory encounter are handled well enough to spark good conversations. But if your kid isn't already invested in this world, they'll probably check their phone halfway through. It's fine. Just fine.

Age Fit

Best for 13–17 year olds, especially those interested in music, performance, or the realities of chasing artistic dreams. The party scenes and predatory behavior require some maturity to process, but the film handles them responsibly enough for mid-teens.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A coming-of-age story with positive mentorship themes and family loyalty, but includes realistic teen party scenes with underage drinking, smoking, and a brief predatory encounter. The mother-daughter relationship and Vlad's guidance show healthy support systems, though the film doesn't shy away from showing the darker pressures of the music industry.

Imaginative

Straightforward 'girl enters talent competition' narrative that follows familiar reality-TV-show beats. Elle Fanning's live vocals are impressive, but the story structure is predictable—essentially a modern American Idol arc without much creative risk. The Isle of Wight setting adds some visual texture, but this is more competent execution than imaginative storytelling.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 13+ for good reason: underage drinking at parties, drug references, profanity (s--t, piss off), a scene where an older male performer tries to take advantage of Violet at a party (though her mother intervenes), and brief sexual content flashbacks. Nothing graphic or traumatizing, but definitely requires context for younger teens. The predatory encounter is handled responsibly but could spark important conversations.

Enriching

Offers solid discussions about artistic ambition, handling pressure, mentorship, and the trade-offs between authenticity and commercial success. The film shows how the music industry can exploit young talent, which is valuable. However, it doesn't dig particularly deep—the emotional beats are somewhat surface-level, and the 'stay true to yourself' message is delivered without much nuance. Elle Fanning's performance and actual singing are the most enriching elements.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Elle Fanning sings all her own vocals and delivers a genuinely committed performance
Shows a realistic (if sanitized) view of music industry pressures and the cost of chasing fame
The mentor relationship between Violet and Vlad models how guidance can build confidence without being exploitative
Touches on immigrant identity and family loyalty in ways that feel authentic to the Isle of Wight setting
Good entry point for discussing artistic integrity vs. commercial compromise with teens

⚠

What to Watch For

Multiple party scenes with underage drinking and smoking—teens treat it casually, which may normalize it
A male performer tries to take advantage of Violet at a party; her mother confronts him, but the scene is tense
Language includes s--t, piss off, oh my God—not excessive but present throughout
The talent-show format is so familiar it borders on boring; kids raised on The Voice might find it dated

Conversation Starters

"Violet has to decide whether to change her style to appeal to judges—when is compromise smart vs. selling out?"
"The movie shows how older men in the industry can be predatory. How would you handle that situation?"
"Vlad gave up his opera career and seems to have regrets. What would you sacrifice to chase a dream?"
"Do you think reality talent shows actually help artists, or just exploit them for ratings?"

Stills