Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the truth: The Boy Who Could Fly is a well-meaning, tender film with a big heart... from 1986. And that's the problem.

The story itself is lovely—a grieving girl befriends her autistic neighbor who believes he can fly, and their connection helps both families heal. It's got genuine emotional depth and treats disability with more respect than many films of its era. But let's be real: this is a nearly two-hour movie that moves at 1980s speed, looks like 1980s TV, and will have most modern kids checking how much time is left by minute 20.

The autism portrayal is complicated. It's empathetic and non-exploitative for 1986, but it's also... 1986. The understanding of autism has evolved enormously, and while the film's heart is in the right place, you'll need to provide context.

If you loved this as a kid and want to share it, go in with realistic expectations. Make it a cozy movie night with popcorn and the understanding that you might need to pause for attention breaks. Use it as a conversation starter about how we understood disabilities differently in the past, or about processing grief. But if you're just looking for something to keep the kids entertained? There are better options that won't feel like homework.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-14 who can handle emotional complexity and slower pacing, though the 1980s style will be a barrier for many. Teens and adults may appreciate it more for nostalgia or film history than pure entertainment value.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

75

A gentle story about grief, friendship, and connection that models kindness between children dealing with difficult circumstances. The relationship between Milly and Eric (an autistic boy) is portrayed with empathy and care. However, the film deals with heavy themes including recent widowhood and family trauma that require emotional maturity to process.

Imaginative

78

The central fantasy premise—a boy who may actually be able to fly—invites wonder and magical thinking. The film explores the boundary between imagination and reality in a way that encourages viewers to consider the power of belief. Eric's fascination with flight and the ambiguous supernatural elements spark curiosity, though the 1980s execution may feel dated.

Safe

62

While there's no graphic content, the film deals with challenging themes: a recent father's death, a child's autism portrayed through 1986 understanding, family grief, and potential foster care situations. The emotional intensity and some scary/tense moments (particularly around Eric's home life and climactic scenes) could be distressing for younger or sensitive viewers. No violence, sex, or gore, but the emotional weight is real.

Enriching

70

Offers meaningful exploration of grief, disability, friendship, and the power of human connection. The film encourages empathy for neurodivergent individuals (though through a 1986 lens that may feel outdated). It tackles loss and healing in ways that could spark important conversations. However, the pacing is slow by modern standards and the representation of autism, while well-intentioned for its time, doesn't meet current understanding.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely empathetic portrayal of a neurodivergent child for its era, showing friendship without condescension
Tackles grief and loss in a magical-realist framework that could help kids process difficult emotions
The ambiguous 'can he really fly?' question invites wonder and discussion about belief vs. reality
Family-centered story that models care and connection during hard times

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What to Watch For

This is a SLOW movie by 2025 standards—114 minutes of 1980s pacing that will test most modern kids' attention spans
Heavy themes throughout: dead parent, grieving family, child in a troubled home situation, potential foster care
The autism representation, while compassionate, reflects 1986 understanding and uses outdated terminology/concepts
Some emotionally intense and potentially scary moments, especially around Eric's uncle and the climactic flying scene
Realistically, this is more of a 'parent wants to share their childhood favorite' watch than something kids will discover and love on their own

Conversation Starters

"What do you think—could Eric really fly, or was it something else? What made you think that?"
"Milly's dad died before the movie started. How do you think that affected how she acted with her family and friends?"
"Eric didn't talk much but he still communicated. What are different ways people can show how they feel?"
"If you could have one superpower to help you when things are hard, what would it be?"

Stills