Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Screenwise Verdict

This is an exceptional film that happens to star a teenage girl, not a teenage film. The Coen Brothers made something beautiful, brutal, and surprisingly funny—a Western that respects both the genre and its audience's intelligence.

Mattie Ross is genuinely one of the best young female characters in modern cinema. She's not a YA heroine with superpowers; she's a smart, determined kid who refuses to be dismissed and outsmarts nearly every adult she meets. That alone makes this valuable viewing for teens.

But let's be clear: this earns its violence warnings. The finger scene is rough. The snake bite is disturbing. People die. It's handled with restraint—the Coens aren't Tarantino—but it's there. If your 15-year-old can handle Hunger Games-level violence, they're probably fine. If they're sensitive, wait.

The real magic is in the craft: Roger Deakins' cinematography, that incredible dialogue, performances that never wink at the camera. It's a film that rewards attention and discussion. Just maybe watch it first before family movie night with the 13-year-old.

Age Fit

Best for ages 15+ due to violence and mature themes. The Common Sense Media rating of 15 is spot-on—this isn't gratuitous, but it's definitely intense. Mature 13-14 year olds who can handle Western violence might be ready, but know your kid.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

The Coen Brothers' Western centers on a 14-year-old girl with fierce determination and moral clarity seeking justice for her father's murder. Mattie Ross is a remarkable role model—intelligent, principled, and unshakable in her convictions. The film shows cooperation between unlikely allies and models persistence. However, it's a revenge story at its core, with characters drinking heavily, and the Old West setting means rough language and morally gray protagonists. The tone is mature but not cynical, with genuine moments of loyalty and sacrifice.

Imaginative

78

The Coens deliver a visually stunning, meticulously crafted Western with Roger Deakins' cinematography creating an almost mythic American frontier. The dialogue is distinctive—formal, archaic, and darkly funny—inviting viewers into a very specific time and place. It's not a 'build your own world' kind of imaginative, but it's rich in atmosphere, character, and storytelling craft. The film reimagines the Western genre with authenticity and artistic vision, though it's more contemplative than action-packed.

Safe

52

This is PG-13 territory that earns it. There's significant violence including shootouts, a man's fingers being chopped off (shown), hangings, and a graphic snake bite scene. People die on screen. Characters drink heavily throughout. The language is period-appropriate but includes some profanity. No sexual content or nudity. It's not gratuitous—the Coens handle violence with restraint—but it's definitely present and would be disturbing for younger or sensitive viewers. Common Sense Media pegs it at 15, which feels right.

Enriching

83

This is a masterclass in filmmaking with 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and an 80 Metacritic score. Hailee Steinfeld's breakout performance as Mattie is exceptional—a young woman who refuses to be dismissed or patronized in a man's world. The film explores justice versus vengeance, the cost of violence, and the complexity of frontier morality. The language alone is educational—formal, eloquent dialogue that challenges viewers. It's thought-provoking without being preachy, and demonstrates that Westerns can be intelligent, nuanced character studies.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Hailee Steinfeld's Mattie Ross is an incredible role model—smart, principled, and absolutely refuses to be underestimated
The dialogue is spectacular: formal, archaic, darkly funny, and unlike anything else your teen will hear
Visually stunning cinematography that makes the Old West feel both mythic and brutally real
Explores complex themes of justice, revenge, and the cost of violence without easy answers
A rare Western that treats a young woman as the moral center and smartest person in the room

⚠

What to Watch For

Significant violence including a graphic finger amputation scene and a disturbing snake bite
Characters drink heavily throughout—this is not glamorized but it's constant
The pacing is deliberate and contemplative, not an action-packed Western
Some scenes of hanging and shooting deaths that could disturb younger or sensitive viewers
Language is period-appropriate with some profanity

Conversation Starters

"Mattie is only 14 but takes on this huge responsibility. When do you think someone is old enough to make decisions like that?"
"The movie is about revenge, but is Mattie after justice or vengeance? What's the difference?"
"Rooster Cogburn is drunk a lot but he's also brave and keeps his word. Can someone be flawed and still be a hero?"
"How does Mattie get adults to take her seriously? What strategies does she use?"
"The ending shows consequences that last a lifetime. Do you think Mattie would make the same choices again?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

True Grit