Common Sense Media Review
By Christie Cronan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Politically-charged docu with mature themes; guns, language.
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An American Pastoral
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
What begins as a voting race for a local school board escalates quickly into an emotionally-charged political battlefield in AN AMERICAN PASTORAL. In this documentary set in the quiet town of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, the fight for democracy is alive in a film engaged in telling how a small-town story affects a nation. Observing instead of interjecting, director Auberi Edler aims to display extreme polarizing viewpoints in such a way that it rattles, reflects, and shapes not just the future of small-town education, but democracy as a whole—one vote at a time.
Is It Any Good?
Gripping and emotionally charged, An American Pastoral is a small-town view of a broader political crisis in the United States. Director Auberi Edler's fly-on-the-wall approach to Elizabethtown's local school board battlefield mirrors a bigger political and cultural war brewing. When passionate beliefs meet intimidation tactics, local children and the future of public education become weaponized in a never-ending fight for democracy at large.
The film points out that despite differences in opinion, most Americans feel the same frustrations. While each party is convicted in their side of the argument, the film challenges viewers to deep dive into their own ideologies, theologies, values, and political views. Distinctively confrontational, this brazenly bold documentary toils with your emotions and almost double-dog-dares you not to walk away from this film changed.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how a political documentary like An American Pastoral makes you feel. Were there times when you felt tense, angry, sad, vindicated, excited? How do our emotions affect the way that we understand information and process a film?
Whose perspectives did you hear from most? Did this film seem to favor one side, or try to stay neutral? How might someone with different political views interpret this film differently from you?
What claims were being made in this film? Did any of these claims change or challenge views you had? How can we fact-check those claims for accuracy?
What does the film suggest about participating in democracy on a local level?
Are there healthy ways to disagree about our beliefs? When does strong speech and powerful persuasion cross over into intimidation and fear?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 18, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : February 13, 2026
- Cast : James Emery , Kristy Moore , Tina Wilson
- Director : Auberi Edler
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Film Movement
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Activism ( Civic engagement , Gender equality , LGBTQ+ rights , Racial justice , Reproductive access ) , Faith ( Christianity ) , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 118 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : June 4, 2026
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