The Female Brain – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Female Brain

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2017

28%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A rom-com about brain science and relationships that critics agree needed more brain power itself.

37%

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The Female Brain

movie

6, 2017

28%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A rom-com about brain science and relationships that critics agree needed more brain power itself.

37%

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37%

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, I'll be straight with you: this movie is skippable.

The concept sounds promising - neuroscience meets rom-com! - but the execution lands with a thud. With a 37% critic score, 49% audience score, and a dismal 2.6/5 on Letterboxd, this isn't a hidden gem that critics missed. It's just not very good.

The bigger issue is that it apparently leans hard into tired gender stereotypes (men are from Mars, women are from Venus, but make it ~~science~~) rather than offering genuine insights into relationships or neuroscience. In 2025, this approach feels particularly stale.

If you're looking for a smart rom-com, there are dozens of better options. If you want to learn about neuroscience and relationships, watch an actual documentary. This falls awkwardly between both and succeeds at neither. The 16+ rating means it's not even background viewing for family movie night.

Verdict: Skip it. Life's too short for 5.8/10 movies.

Age Fit

This is strictly 16+ territory given the mature romantic content, but honestly, even older teens and adults will likely find it forgettable. The poor reception across the board suggests there are much better rom-coms or science documentaries to spend your time on.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A romantic comedy attempting to explore gender differences through neuroscience, but the execution is reportedly clumsy and relies on tired stereotypes about men and women. The tone isn't particularly unkind, but the gender essentialism and dated approach to relationships doesn't model particularly healthy dynamics. Common Sense Media rated it 16+, suggesting mature themes that may not be emotionally appropriate for younger viewers.

Imaginative

The premise of examining romantic relationships through brain science could be creative, but the 37% critic score and 2.6/5 Letterboxd rating suggest the execution is formulaic and uninspired. Reviews indicate it leans heavily on gender stereotypes rather than offering fresh perspectives. No evidence of originality or creative expression that would engage curiosity.

Safe

Rated for ages 16+ by Common Sense Media, suggesting mature romantic/sexual content typical of adult rom-coms. As a romantic comedy about relationships and neuroscience, likely contains sexual references, dating scenarios, and potentially some crude humor. Not graphic or traumatic, but definitely not family-friendly viewing. No major trigger warnings expected beyond standard rom-com territory.

Enriching

While the concept of exploring neuroscience and relationships could be educational, the poor critical reception (37% RT critics, 41 Metacritic) and audience scores (49% RT audience, 5.8 IMDb) suggest it fails to deliver meaningful insights. The reliance on gender stereotypes likely undermines any genuine scientific or relationship wisdom. Minimal cognitive or emotional growth potential, and questionable entertainment value based on ratings.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Attempts to blend neuroscience with romantic comedy, which could appeal to science-minded adults looking for something different
May spark conversations about gender, relationships, and whether brain differences are real or socially constructed
Available on multiple streaming platforms if you're curious despite the warnings

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What to Watch For

Mature romantic and sexual content appropriate only for 16+
Heavy reliance on gender stereotypes that may feel outdated or reductive
Universally mediocre reviews suggest this is more 'meh' than meaningful
The science angle is reportedly more window dressing than substance

Conversation Starters

"Do you think men and women's brains are really that different, or is it more about how we're raised?"
"What did you think about how the movie portrayed relationships - realistic or stereotypical?"
"If you were going to make a movie about the science of love, what would you focus on?"

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