Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, New Moon is the movie equivalent of a teenage diary filled with 'he left me and now I'm nothing' entries. It's got a 28% on Rotten Tomatoes for good reason—it's slow, melodramatic, and models some genuinely concerning relationship patterns.

Bella spends most of the film either catatonic with depression or literally throwing herself off cliffs to hallucinate her ex. This isn't a 'learn to be resilient' story; it's a 'I need a man to complete me' saga. Jacob provides some warmth and actual friendship, but the film makes clear he's just the placeholder.

If your teen is already obsessed with Twilight, they're going to watch it anyway—and honestly, it can be a teaching moment about what unhealthy attachment looks like. But as standalone entertainment? It's a slog. Even die-hard fans admit this is the weakest entry, and modern teens who aren't already invested will find it painfully dated and boring.

The vampire/werewolf mythology is mildly interesting, but it's buried under layers of moping and longing stares. The film is safe in terms of violence and sexual content, but emotionally? It's modeling some rough patterns. Watch with your teen and be ready to unpack the relationship dynamics, because they're not great.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13-16 who are already invested in the Twilight saga. Younger viewers won't appreciate the slow-burn angst, and older teens will likely find it cringey and dated unless they're watching ironically.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

35

The film centers on Bella's deep depression and self-destructive behavior after Edward leaves, including intentionally putting herself in danger to hallucinate his voice. The relationship dynamics model unhealthy attachment and abandonment issues rather than emotional resilience. Jacob provides some warmth, but the overall emotional tone is brooding, angsty, and models codependency over healthy coping mechanisms.

Imaginative

55

The vampire/werewolf mythology and the Volturi's ancient Italian setting offer some fantastical world-building. However, the film is heavily focused on relationship melodrama rather than creative exploration or wonder. It doesn't invite curiosity or creative thinking—it's more about longing and suffering than imaginative adventure. The werewolf transformation effects were notable for 2009 but feel dated now.

Safe

60

Rated PG-13 (Common Sense Media suggests 13+), with some violence including vampire fights and werewolf battles, but nothing graphic or gory. The bigger safety concern is the modeling of depression, self-harm adjacent behavior (Bella's reckless stunts to see Edward), and toxic relationship patterns. There's a suicide attempt subplot (though not graphic). No sexual content beyond kissing, no nudity. The emotional content is the primary concern rather than visual shocks.

Enriching

25

The film offers minimal cognitive or ethical growth. Bella's character arc involves becoming increasingly dependent on male validation and making progressively poor decisions. There's little meaningful exploration of identity, resilience, or healthy relationships. The werewolf pack's loyalty could spark discussion, but it's overshadowed by the central unhealthy romance. Entertainment value exists for the target demographic, but lasting takeaways are sparse.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

If your teen is deep in their Twilight phase, this completes the story arc and they'll want to see it
The werewolf pack dynamics show loyalty and chosen family (even if overshadowed by the main plot)
Can spark conversations about what healthy vs. unhealthy relationships look like
The fantasy elements provide escapism for teens who enjoy supernatural romance

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What to Watch For

Bella models serious depression and intentionally dangerous behavior (motorcycle crashes, cliff jumping) to hallucinate her ex-boyfriend
The central message is essentially 'I can't function without my boyfriend'—not great for developing identity
A character attempts suicide (off-screen but discussed)
The pacing is notoriously slow and the film is critically panned—even fans admit it's the weakest of the series

Conversation Starters

"What do you think about how Bella handles the breakup? What would you do differently?"
"Is it okay to put yourself in danger to feel close to someone? Why or why not?"
"What makes Jacob's friendship different from Bella's relationship with Edward?"
"If your best friend was acting like Bella, what would you say to them?"

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The Twilight Saga: New Moon