The Scribbler – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Scribbler

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2014

22%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A poorly-reviewed psychological thriller about erasing personalities that's more headache-inducing than mind-bending.

5.3/10

50%

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The Scribbler

movie

R, 2014

22%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A poorly-reviewed psychological thriller about erasing personalities that's more headache-inducing than mind-bending.

5.3

50%

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Screenwise Verdict

Let's be blunt: this is a miss. A 32 Metacritic score and 38% audience rating tell you everything you need to know—critics and viewers both found it lacking.

The concept of experimental brain procedures to eliminate destructive personalities could work in better hands, but this adaptation apparently doesn't deliver. It's not scary-good, it's just unpleasant and confusing.

For parents, this is an easy pass. It's rated 17+ for disturbing psychological content and offers nothing enriching for younger viewers. For adults looking for smart psychological horror, skip this and watch 'Shutter Island' or 'Black Swan' instead.

The WISE score reflects both the mature content AND the fact that it's just not good. Even if you're the target demographic, you'll probably regret the time spent.

Age Fit

This is strictly 17+ content that even adults will likely find disappointing. The poor reviews and disturbing subject matter make it a skip for families entirely. If you're an adult horror fan curious about psychological thrillers, there are dozens of better options.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A psychological thriller about multiple personality disorder treated through experimental brain procedures isn't emotionally healthy viewing. The premise involves mental illness portrayed through a dark, violent lens with destructive personalities literally fighting for control. Not a model of kindness or cooperation—more like internal warfare.

Imaginative

The concept of 'The Siamese Burn' as an experimental procedure to eliminate personalities is genuinely creative sci-fi horror territory. Based on a graphic novel, it attempts visual storytelling around fractured identity. However, execution seems muddled based on poor critical reception—imagination in concept doesn't always translate to screen.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates this 17+, which signals mature content. Psychological horror dealing with mental illness, likely containing violence, disturbing imagery, and intense themes around self-harm and identity destruction. The 'destructive multiple personalities' descriptor alone suggests content inappropriate for younger viewers. This isn't a surprise-scary moment in a family film—it's sustained psychological disturbance.

Enriching

Mental illness exploration could theoretically offer insight, but with a 32 Metacritic score and 38% audience rating, this appears to be a poorly-executed thriller that sensationalizes rather than illuminates. The low ratings suggest it's neither particularly thought-provoking nor entertaining—just confusing and unpleasant. Hard to extract meaningful takeaways from a film critics and audiences largely rejected.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

If you're fascinated by psychological horror exploring fractured identity, the premise has potential
Based on a graphic novel, so there's some visual creativity in the source material
Could spark discussions about mental health representation in media—specifically what NOT to do

⚠

What to Watch For

Rated 17+ for good reason—disturbing psychological content, likely violence and self-harm themes
Universally poor reviews suggest it's confusing and unpleasant rather than insightful
Sensationalizes mental illness rather than treating it with nuance
With a 2.6/5 on Letterboxd and 38% audience score, even genre fans weren't impressed

Conversation Starters

"How do you think movies should portray mental health issues responsibly?"
"What's the difference between psychological horror that's thought-provoking versus just exploitative?"
"Have you seen any films that explore identity or personality in ways that felt authentic?"

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