The Speed Cubers

The Speed Cubers

movie

PG, 2020

WISE
88%

WISE Score

100

Avg. Tomatometer

Two Rubik's Cube champions compete for world records while building an unexpectedly beautiful friendship—wholesome sports doc gold.

IMDb7.4
RT Critics100%
Common Sense Media
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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those rare documentaries that works for the whole family without anyone checking their phone. It's short, sweet, and genuinely moving—the friendship between Max and Feliks is so pure it'll make you believe in humanity again.

The autism representation is thoughtful and real, showing Max's challenges and triumphs without making him a caricature. His parents' interviews about how cubing transformed his social skills are powerful stuff.

At 40 minutes, it respects everyone's time. No filler, no manufactured drama, just two world-class competitors who genuinely root for each other. The 100% Rotten Tomatoes score isn't hype—it's earned.

Fair warning: your kid will probably want a speedcube immediately after. But honestly? There are way worse obsessions than spatial reasoning and finger dexterity. This is the kind of screen time that might actually lead to something productive.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 8-14, especially kids who love puzzles, competition, or need examples of positive friendships. Younger kids (6-7) can watch with parents, though some competitive nuance might go over their heads. Teens might find it a bit simple but the emotional beats still land.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
95

Documentary showcasing genuine friendship between two competitive Rubik's Cube champions, Max Park (who is autistic) and Feliks Zemdegs. Models kindness, sportsmanship, and mutual respect beautifully. Max's parents discuss how cubing helped him develop social skills and confidence. The tone is warm, supportive, and emotionally healthy throughout, celebrating both competition and compassion.

Imaginative
78

While a documentary format is inherently less imaginative than fiction, it showcases the creative problem-solving and spatial reasoning involved in speedcubing. Inspires curiosity about how the mind works and could motivate kids to explore cubing themselves. The film demonstrates dedication, practice, and the joy of mastering a complex skill. However, it's observational rather than interactive or world-building.

Safe
98

Exceptionally safe content. No violence, scary moments, inappropriate language, or mature themes. Common Sense Media rates it for age 8+. The documentary is straightforward, positive, and focused on achievement and friendship. The only minor consideration is brief competitive tension, but it's handled maturely and respectfully. 100% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics signals quality family viewing.

Enriching
88

Highly enriching on multiple levels: showcases neurodiversity positively (Max's autism is presented as part of his story, not a limitation), demonstrates growth mindset and perseverance, models healthy competition and friendship, and offers insight into dedication and practice. The 40-minute runtime keeps it engaging. Strong ratings across platforms (7.4 IMDb, 86% RT audience, 3.7 Letterboxd) indicate it resonates emotionally while teaching valuable lessons about empathy and achievement.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Genuinely moving story about friendship transcending competition—Max and Feliks' relationship is the real win here
  • Positive, nuanced portrayal of autism that shows Max's journey without making it the 'inspiration porn' some documentaries fall into
  • Short and sweet at 40 minutes—perfect attention span for family viewing without the documentary drag
  • Might actually get your kid off screens and... onto a Rubik's Cube? (Still better than doomscrolling)
  • Models healthy competition, perseverance, and sportsmanship in a world that desperately needs those examples
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What to Watch For

  • Your kid might immediately want a speedcube and timer—be prepared for the clicking sounds that will dominate your house for weeks
  • Some competitive tension during tournaments, but it's handled maturely and resolved beautifully
  • The documentary touches on Max's autism and social challenges—great opportunity for discussion about neurodiversity if your kid has questions

Conversation Starters

  • "What do you think makes Max and Feliks such good friends even though they compete against each other?"
  • "Have you ever worked really hard at something like they practice cubing? What was that like?"
  • "Max's parents talk about how cubing helped him make friends and feel confident. What activities make you feel that way?"
  • "Would you rather be the fastest at something or have a really good friend who's also really good at it?"
Stills
The Speed Cubers — still 1
The Speed Cubers — still 2
The Speed Cubers — still 3
The Speed Cubers — still 4

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