Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, this movie exists. That's about the nicest thing we can say about it.

The Nanny Diaries wants to be a smart commentary on wealth and family dysfunction wrapped in a rom-com package, but it ends up being neither particularly insightful nor entertaining. Critics savaged it (34% on RT), audiences shrugged (51%), and nearly two decades later, it hasn't gained any cult classic status or nostalgic charm.

The emotional neglect storyline has some merit—it could spark good conversations about what kids actually need from parents—but the execution is so heavy-handed that it feels like being lectured rather than entertained. Scarlett Johansson does what she can with a thin script, but even she can't save this one from feeling like a TV movie that somehow made it to theaters.

If you're looking for a movie about class dynamics, watch Parasite. If you want a rom-com, literally pick any other rom-com. If your teen specifically wants to watch this because they're doing a project on early 2000s cinema or they love anthropology metaphors... fine, it won't hurt them, but don't expect them to thank you.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13-16 who can handle themes of parental neglect and class dynamics. Honestly though, even teens might find this one slow and dated—there are much better options for rom-coms or social commentary.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

58

The film portrays class dynamics and family dysfunction with some emotional depth, showing a protagonist trying to do right by a neglected child. However, the wealthy family is depicted as emotionally cold and the mother particularly cruel to both the nanny and her own son. There are some positive moments of connection between the nanny and child, but the overall tone skews cynical about wealth and privilege rather than modeling particularly healthy relationships. The romantic subplot is sweet but underdeveloped.

Imaginative

42

This is a fairly standard rom-com/dramedy formula with predictable beats: young woman takes job, encounters dysfunction, finds romance, learns life lessons. The anthropological framing device (viewing wealthy families like a museum exhibit) has some creative spark, but it's not deeply explored. There's minimal visual creativity or narrative innovation—it's competently made but forgettable. Doesn't invite much creative thinking or exploration beyond 'rich people are weird.'

Safe

78

Common Sense Media rates it 13+, which aligns with its PG-13 sensibilities (though MPAA rating not specified in data). No graphic violence, gore, or sexual content. Some mild language and adult themes around neglectful parenting and marital dysfunction. The emotional neglect of the child could be upsetting but isn't graphic. A few brief scenes suggest adult infidelity. Overall, relatively tame for teens but the emotional themes might be heavy for younger viewers.

Enriching

52

The film offers some social commentary on class inequality, work-life balance, and the cost of wealth on family relationships. There's a message about standing up for yourself and advocating for children who can't advocate for themselves. However, the execution is heavy-handed and the insights are surface-level. The protagonist learns to value her own worth, which is positive. Entertainment value is middling—critics gave it 34% on RT, audiences 51%, suggesting it's neither particularly engaging nor memorable.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Shows the importance of advocating for kids who are emotionally neglected by their parents
Offers a (heavy-handed) critique of wealth, privilege, and work-life balance that could spark discussion
The protagonist learns to value herself and set boundaries in toxic work environments
Some sweet moments between the nanny and the neglected child she cares for

⚠

What to Watch For

The wealthy family is portrayed as emotionally abusive and neglectful—the mother is genuinely cruel to her son, which could be upsetting
Themes of marital infidelity and dysfunction throughout
The class commentary is pretty on-the-nose and cynical
It's just... not very good. Critics panned it and audiences were lukewarm at best

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the mom in the movie was so focused on her social life instead of her son?"
"Have you ever seen someone treated unfairly at work or school? What did you do?"
"What makes a family feel like a family, even when they're not related by blood?"
"Do you think having a lot of money makes people happy? Why or why not?"

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