Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Feel-good British comedy about growing old has drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
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Where to Watch
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Arthur's Whisky
What's the Story?
In ARTHUR'S WHISKY, Joan (Patricia Hodge) and her friends Linda (Diane Keaton) and Susan (Lulu) clear out an old shed after the death of Joan's husband. They're surprised to find bottles of whisky stashed away, but even more surprised when they realize he's invented an anti-aging elixir that can make them young again. Fresh-faced and ache free, they head out to recapture their youth and paint the town red. But can they relive their glory days in the modern world, and how long will the magic last?
Is It Any Good?
There's plenty of chemistry between the three likable leads -- Hodge, Keaton, and Lulu -- and that's enough to give what could otherwise be a predictable story that extra kick. Watching Arthur's Whisky, there's a sense of warmth, friendship, and fun that feels authentic and makes you wonder whether these actors bonded in the same way on set. Their younger counterparts have a similar energy, doing a great job of stepping into pretty established shoes -- particularly Genevieve Gaunt, who plays the younger Keaton, and has her gestures and mannerisms down to a tee (no doubt having mined her back catalog for inspiration). Elsewhere Adil Ray (Citizen Khan) makes an impact as the charming love interest, and the likes of Boy George, Hayley Mills (The Parent Trap), and Lawrence Chaney (RuPaul's Drag Race UK) pop up too. There are definitely generic depictions of women aging -- talking about wrinkles, sagging breasts, difficulty getting up out of chairs, etc. -- that might cause a few eyes to roll, but there's enough else happening to let it slide and concentrate on what is a warm, funny tale of friendship, regardless of age.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how age is portrayed in Arthur's Whisky. What does it say about attitudes toward getting older and yearning for youth? How is age portrayed in movies more widely?
All three women showed communication, curiosity, and compassion. Why are these important character strengths? Can you think of times you've shown them in your own life?
How was drinking depicted in the film? Was it glamorized? Why does that matter?
The film encourages being yourself and accepting who you are. Did each of the characters do this, and do you think it changed them?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 4, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : October 4, 2024
- Cast : Diane Keaton , Lulu , Patricia Hodge
- Director : Stephen Cookson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sky Cinema
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Curiosity
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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