Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the movie that launched a thousand think-pieces and even more tears. It's earnest, literary, and unapologetically sad—John Green's adaptation doesn't shy away from the reality that sometimes teenagers die, and that's profoundly unfair.

The good: It treats teens as intellectually capable of grappling with mortality, models healthy emotional communication, and offers genuine depth. The romance is tender without being exploitative. For the right teen at the right time, this can be a meaningful, even cathartic experience.

The reality check: This is capital-H Heavy. It's essentially 126 minutes of beautiful sadness punctuated by moments of hope that make the sadness hit harder. It's not a movie you casually throw on for family night unless your family is ready to process some serious grief together. Younger teens may not be emotionally equipped for this level of intensity, and even older teens need to be in the right headspace.

It's aged reasonably well since 2014—the themes are timeless and the performances hold up—but it's very much a 'you need to be ready for this' kind of watch. If your teen is asking to see it (probably because they read the book or their friends have), it's worth watching together and having real conversations afterward.

Age Fit

Best for mature 14+ who can handle intense emotional content about terminal illness and death. Younger teens may find it overwhelming; older teens (16-18) will likely connect most deeply with the philosophical themes and romance.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

Models deep empathy, authentic friendship, and emotional vulnerability between teens facing terminal illness. The romance is tender and age-appropriate, emphasizing emotional connection over physical attraction. However, the heavy subject matter (cancer, death, grief) creates intense emotional weight that can be overwhelming. The tone is sincere rather than exploitative, but the relentless sadness may not feel 'emotionally healthy' for all viewers.

Imaginative

58

Based on John Green's acclaimed novel, the story offers thoughtful metaphors (cigarettes as symbols, the unfinished novel) and philosophical musings about mortality and meaning. The Amsterdam trip provides some visual interest. However, this is fundamentally a grounded, realistic drama—not a film that sparks creative play, world-building, or invites active imagination. It's more contemplative than inventive.

Safe

55

Contains emotionally intense content including terminal cancer, character death, funerals, and profound grief that could be deeply triggering or traumatizing for younger/unprepared viewers. There's a brief intimate scene (likely PG-13 appropriate but still romantic/sexual in nature) and some language. While not graphically violent or gory, the medical reality and inevitable death are central to the plot—this is NOT a movie you want a 10-year-old stumbling into unexpectedly. The emotional safety concern is significant.

Enriching

78

Tackles profound themes of mortality, meaning, love, and legacy with intelligence and emotional honesty. Encourages conversations about empathy, illness, grief, and what makes life valuable. The literary references (particularly to the fictional 'An Imperial Affliction') invite reflection on storytelling itself. Strong TMDB rating (7.6) suggests meaningful impact. However, the enrichment comes through heavy emotional processing rather than skill-building or lighter growth.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Treats teens as capable of handling profound philosophical questions about life, death, and meaning
Models authentic emotional vulnerability and communication in relationships
Encourages empathy for people facing serious illness without being patronizing or saccharine
Based on beloved John Green novel—strong literary pedigree with thoughtful dialogue
Can open important family conversations about mortality, grief, and what makes life valuable

⚠

What to Watch For

This is HEAVY—terminal cancer, character death, funerals, and grief are the entire point of the movie
Brief intimate scene between teens (PG-13 level but still romantic/sexual)
Some language and mature thematic content throughout
May be emotionally overwhelming or triggering for kids who've experienced loss or illness
Not a 'feel-good' movie despite the love story—prepare for ugly crying

Conversation Starters

"What do you think Hazel meant when she said she didn't want to be a grenade?"
"How do you think Augustus and Hazel helped each other, even though they were both dealing with really hard things?"
"The movie talks a lot about leaving a mark on the world—what do you think matters most about a person's life?"
"How would you want to spend your time if you knew it was limited? What would be most important to you?"
"Do you think it's better to love someone even if you might lose them, or to protect yourself from that pain?"

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