The Young Messiah – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Young Messiah

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2016

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Biblical drama imagining 7-year-old Jesus discovering his identity—earnest, faith-focused, but critically panned and genuinely hard to sit through.

50%

→

The Young Messiah

movie

PG-13, 2016

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Biblical drama imagining 7-year-old Jesus discovering his identity—earnest, faith-focused, but critically panned and genuinely hard to sit through.

50%

Jump to

Also rated on

50%

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Let's be real: this is a hard watch. The 33 Metacritic score and 2.8 Letterboxd rating tell the story—critics and audiences alike found it plodding and heavy-handed. For devout Christian families specifically seeking a dramatization of young Jesus's life, it might serve a purpose for family movie night or religious education. But even then, expect restless kids.

The violence and mature themes (Roman brutality, a child dying) earn the 13+ rating, so this isn't light viewing. And the earnest, slow-paced storytelling style feels dated even for 2016. Most modern kids—even those interested in faith—will struggle to stay engaged.

If you're looking for quality religious content, there are better options. If your family is specifically curious about this particular story angle, go in with low expectations and maybe plan some discussion questions to keep everyone engaged. Otherwise, this is a skip.

Age Fit

Best for kids 12-16 in religious families actively seeking faith-based content. Younger kids will be bored or confused; older teens will likely find it simplistic and slow. This is niche programming, not broad appeal.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Centers on themes of family, faith, and kindness with a generally gentle tone. Models cooperation and compassion through young Jesus's interactions. Some intense scenes (Roman soldiers, death) keep it from scoring higher, but overall emotionally healthy for its religious drama genre.

Imaginative

While the premise of exploring Jesus's childhood perspective has potential, execution appears conventional based on middling critical reception (33 Metacritic, 2.8 Letterboxd). Biblical drama genre tends toward straightforward storytelling rather than creative exploration. Doesn't invite building or open-ended thinking—more instructional than imaginative.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 13+, suggesting some intense content. Biblical story includes violence (Roman occupation, a child's death and resurrection), potentially frightening scenes with soldiers. No inappropriate sexual content or gore, but the historical violence and mature themes around persecution mean younger kids might find it unsettling. Not 'surprise' content given the subject matter, but still intense.

Enriching

Offers historical/religious education about first-century Judea and Christian theology. Could spark meaningful discussions about faith, identity, and compassion. However, poor critical reception (50% RT critics, 5.7 IMDb) suggests limited entertainment value and potentially heavy-handed delivery that undermines educational impact. Enriching for families seeking religious content, less so for general audiences.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Explores Jesus's childhood from a unique angle that's rarely depicted in film
Models compassion, kindness, and family bonds in a faith-based context
Could spark meaningful conversations about religious identity and belief for Christian families
Historical setting offers glimpse into first-century Judea and Roman occupation

⚠

What to Watch For

Intense scenes with Roman soldiers, persecution, and a child's death (though he's resurrected)
Slow pacing and earnest tone—modern kids will likely find this boring unless they're deeply invested in religious content
Very specific Christian theological perspective; this isn't a universal story
Poor critical reception (33 Metacritic) suggests execution problems—wooden dialogue, heavy-handed messaging

Conversation Starters

"What do you think it would be like to discover you had special powers or a unique purpose?"
"How did the movie show Jesus learning about kindness and helping others?"
"What was life like for families living under Roman rule back then?"
"Do you have questions about the religious parts of the story?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic