The Way – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Way

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2010

62%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A grieving dad walks 500 miles across Spain to understand the son he lost—slow, sincere, and probably too meditative for most kids.

7.3/10

82%

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The Way

movie

PG-13, 2010

62%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A grieving dad walks 500 miles across Spain to understand the son he lost—slow, sincere, and probably too meditative for most kids.

7.3

82%

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Screenwise Verdict

The Way is earnest, well-intentioned, and probably moving for adults who love slow-burn character dramas about grief and self-discovery. For families? It's a tough sell.

The pacing is glacial, the emotional tone is heavy (the whole thing kicks off with a son's death), and there's just not much here to hook younger viewers. Even teens who can intellectually appreciate the themes will likely struggle to stay engaged through two hours of meditative walking and introspection.

If you have a mature 16-year-old who's into thoughtful indie films, loves travel documentaries, or is processing their own grief, this could be a meaningful watch. For everyone else, it's a pass. The Camino deserves better marketing than this movie provides.

Age Fit

Best for mature teens (15+) who can handle slow pacing and heavy themes about grief. Younger kids will be bored to tears, and even interested teens need to be in the right contemplative mood.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A contemplative drama about grief, reconciliation, and personal transformation. The father-son relationship (explored through flashbacks and memory) models emotional growth and the journey from estrangement to understanding. The pilgrimage setting naturally emphasizes reflection, community, and kindness among strangers. Pacing is deliberately slow and meditative, which may feel draggy to some but serves the emotional arc.

Imaginative

While the Camino de Santiago itself is a visually rich and culturally fascinating backdrop that invites curiosity about different landscapes, traditions, and ways of life, the film is more introspective character drama than creative exploration. It doesn't particularly spark building or hands-on creativity, though it may inspire wanderlust and interest in pilgrimage traditions. The storytelling is straightforward rather than inventive.

Safe

As a PG-13-rated drama about grief and pilgrimage, this is generally safe territory. The inciting incident (son's death) happens off-screen and is handled with restraint. No graphic violence, nudity, or sexual content expected in this genre/context. Some emotional heaviness around loss and estrangement, but no shocking or triggering content that would blindside viewers. The comedy-drama blend suggests tonal balance rather than unrelenting darkness.

Enriching

Strong themes of grief processing, reconciliation, cross-cultural understanding, and personal transformation. The Camino pilgrimage framework naturally invites reflection on life's meaning, relationships, and legacy. Offers geographic and cultural education about Spain and pilgrimage traditions. The father's journey from emotional distance to connection provides meaningful character growth. However, the slow pacing and introspective nature may limit engagement for younger or less patient viewers.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Thoughtful exploration of grief, reconciliation, and what it means to truly know someone—great for mature teens processing big emotions
The Camino de Santiago is visually stunning and culturally rich; sparks curiosity about pilgrimage traditions and Spanish culture
Models emotional growth and the courage to step outside comfort zones, even in the face of profound loss
Celebrates human connection and the strangers who become companions on life's journey

⚠

What to Watch For

The entire premise is built on a son's death—handled with restraint but still emotionally heavy for younger or sensitive viewers
Extremely slow pacing and contemplative tone; this is not a plot-driven adventure, and most kids will find it boring
Limited data available, but as a 2010 indie drama, it likely feels dated and niche even by 2010 standards

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever felt like you didn't really know someone until it was too late? What would you want people to know about you?"
"The dad takes this journey to feel closer to his son. What are some ways people honor or remember loved ones?"
"Would you ever want to do a long pilgrimage or journey like this? What would you hope to learn or experience?"
"The film shows strangers becoming friends on the road. When have you connected with someone unexpected?"

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