Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thoughtful romance mulls impact of large age difference.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Liberal Arts
What's the Story?
Jesse (Josh Radnor) returns to his alma mater to visit a favorite professor and becomes beguiled by Zibby (Elizabeth Olsen), a mature-beyond-her-years sophomore. But they're both torn by the 16-year age difference between them that may make a real relationship impossible. The more time they spend together, the clearer it is that they have a real connection, but it also becomes obvious that a May-December pairing, while romantic in theory, is hard in real life. And soon they're going to have make some hard choices.
Is It Any Good?
The ideas that propel LIBERAL ARTS are interesting and even mildly thought-provoking. Who among us hasn't, at some point, tired of the daily grind of a grown-up life? Especially one like Jesse's: He's in an unimpressive apartment in a difficult city interviewing pre-collegiate kids full of hope, kids with so much ahead of them. It's these observations that make Liberal Arts a joy to watch. That and its circuitous but still refreshing plot in search of a happy ending. Everything until Jesse finds himself alone with Zibby in her dorm room has spark, the crackle of possibility. (Plus, Richard Jenkins! The man elevates anything he's in.) And its hard left turn into a direction different from what you might expect is surprising in a pleasant way.
Still, what does come next seems moot at that point, and Liberal Arts loses its footing a bit. The ending feels like an afterthought; we want to be back in the thick of Zibby and Jesse's flirtation, back when something beautiful appears all too possible. But alas. Isn't it pretty to think so?
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Liberal Arts is saying about love and relationships. What's the impact of a significant age difference on a couple?
Should people get second chances when they make a poor decision?
Who do you think the film's target audience is? Why do you say that?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 14, 2012
- On DVD or streaming : December 18, 2012
- Cast : Elizabeth Olsen , Josh Radnor , Richard Jenkins
- Director : Josh Radnor
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : IFC Entertainment
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual content including references, mature thematic material, and some teen drinking
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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