The Grizzlies – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Grizzlies

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2019

75%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

True story of Inuit teens finding hope through lacrosse in a town devastated by suicide—heavy, honest, and ultimately uplifting.

87%

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The Grizzlies

movie

R, 2019

75%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

True story of Inuit teens finding hope through lacrosse in a town devastated by suicide—heavy, honest, and ultimately uplifting.

87%

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Screenwise Verdict

This is not a movie you put on for family movie night without serious consideration. It's a powerful, well-made film about real kids in a real crisis, and it doesn't sugarcoat the darkness.

But for the right teen—especially one interested in social justice, Indigenous issues, or who's grappling with their own mental health questions—this can be genuinely transformative. It's the kind of film that sticks with you and changes how you see the world.

The 95% audience score tells you something: people who watch this connect with it deeply. It's earned its acclaim. Just make sure your kid is ready for it, and be prepared to talk afterward. This isn't entertainment—it's education wrapped in a true story that happens to be told really well.

Age Fit

Best for ages 15+ due to the mature themes of suicide, substance abuse, and community trauma. Teens who can handle serious subject matter will find this deeply moving and eye-opening. Adults will appreciate its unflinching honesty.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Based on a true story about Inuit youth overcoming adversity through sports and community. Models resilience, teamwork, and mentorship in the face of genuine hardship. The film tackles suicide, substance abuse, and trauma with care—heavy material handled with emotional honesty rather than exploitation. Strong positive messages about hope and cultural identity, though the darkness of the subject matter (highest suicide rate in North America) is inherently difficult.

Imaginative

This is a grounded, realistic drama based on actual events. It doesn't aim for imaginative storytelling—it's about real kids in a real Arctic town learning lacrosse. The sport itself offers some visual interest and the cultural setting provides texture, but the film prioritizes authenticity and emotional truth over creative flourishes. Not a knock—it's just not what this movie is trying to do.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 15+, and that tracks. The film deals directly with teen suicide, substance abuse, domestic violence, and community trauma. There's strong language throughout and some intense emotional scenes. No graphic violence or sexual content, but the thematic weight is significant—this isn't something you'd want younger kids stumbling into. Parents need to know what they're getting into and be ready to have hard conversations.

Enriching

Exceptionally enriching for the right age group. Offers a window into Indigenous Canadian experiences rarely seen in mainstream film. Tackles mental health, cultural resilience, and community healing with nuance. The true story provides powerful lessons about how sports can create structure and hope. Builds empathy and understanding of systemic issues facing Indigenous communities. High Rotten Tomatoes scores (87% critics, 95% audience) and strong ratings (7.5 IMDb) reflect its impact.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Based on real events that genuinely changed lives in Kugluktuk, Nunavut
Rare, authentic portrayal of Indigenous Canadian youth and community
Shows how sports and mentorship can create structure and purpose during crisis
Handles mental health and suicide with care and cultural sensitivity
Strong performances and 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes

⚠

What to Watch For

Direct discussion of teen suicide and community trauma—this is the central theme
Strong language throughout and some substance abuse depictions
Emotionally intense scenes that require maturity to process
Not a feel-good sports movie—it's a serious drama about survival and hope

Conversation Starters

"What do you think helped these kids start to feel hopeful again?"
"Why do you think the coach chose lacrosse specifically to teach them?"
"How does where you live and your community affect your mental health?"
"What would you do if a friend was struggling like these kids were?"
"What surprised you most about life in this Arctic town?"

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