Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Indian American romcom has edgy sexual content, drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
7 Days
What's the Story?
Ravi (Karan Soni) and Rita's (Geraldine Viswanathan) first date -- planned at the behest of their parents in hopes it might lead to marriage -- is a disaster. When COVID-19 intensifies, Ravi is stranded in Rita's remote town without transportation or a hotel, and the mismatched duo have to quarantine together for 7 DAYS.
Is It Any Good?
Soni may wear a "Queso Queen" T-shirt through most of the film, but, make no mistake, he has co-written the king of COVID-19 comedies -- and left out the cheese. Directed by Soni's co-writer, Roshan Sethi, 7 Days boasts far better production quality than the often used pandemic-filmmaking workarounds of Zoom and iPhone recordings. Set in March 2020, it exists as a living document to the initial strength of the coronavirus -- and the strangeness of suddenly being forced to stay indoors. Masks and Zoom smartly show up in limited amounts as hallmarks of the era, but, since they're barriers to filmmaking, they don't dominate.
The filmmakers' best move, though, is depicting the culture clash that some young Indian American adults contend with, including the push toward an arranged marriage. In examining that, the film challenges the concept of what it means to fall in love. Is love a result of physical attraction, finding a soulmate, or a successful partnership in compatibility and purpose? And which of those is more likely to make for a lasting marriage? Whatever you believe, Sethi and Soni's film helps make the argument that the desire to find true love is universal.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the traditions and values represented in 7 Days. How do they align with your own opinions and experiences?
How does 7 Days compare to other films that were shot during or reflect the COVID-19 pandemic? Do you think it accurately captures the actual experience?
How does the movie handle the topic of sex?
Do you consider Ravi a role model? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 25, 2022
- On DVD or streaming : April 26, 2022
- Cast : Geraldine Viswanathan , Karan Soni , Aparna Nancherla
- Director : Roshan Sethi
- Inclusion Information : Indian/South Asian Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Cinedigm Entertainment Group
- Genre : Romance
- Run time : 86 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : April 28, 2022
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