Common Sense Media Review
By Christie Cronan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Serious themes, language, sexism in medical pioneer biopic.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Audrey's Children
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
AUDREY'S CHILDREN is based on the true story of Dr. Audrey Evans (Natalie Dormer), hired in 1969 as the first female chief of oncology at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The film follows her as she becomes a pioneer in pediatric cancer research, creating the revolutionary Evans Staging System for neuroblastoma, co-founding the Ronald McDonald House, and inspiring patient and family advocacy by overcoming sexism, systematic rules, and outdated ways to pursue new ideas, innovation, and lasting change in the medical field.
Is It Any Good?
Dr. Audrey Evans' story may be one of empowerment, but it gets a predictable treatment in this formulaic biopic. Evans' heroism falls a bit flat in Audrey's Children, despite her compelling untold story and a compassionate performance by Dormer. This history lesson in pediatric cancer and medical care falls short on portraying the sexism of the 1960s with real conviction, and there's a clunkiness to it all, with too much medical jargon, characters who feel disconnected and bland, and a climax that lacks nuance. Despite Evans' amazing real-life achievements, the filmmakers play it overly safe here, minimizing the impact of the risky events that built her legacy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Dr. Audrey Evans' contributions to medicine. Why is her story still relevant today? What does Audrey's Children teach us about gender equality, patient advocacy, and fighting for change?
Why are compassion, empathy, and hope just as important for many patients as medical care? What can we learn from Evans' story about using our talents to help others?
The film says that there's a "fine line between impulse and action." When is it OK to break rules and overcome barriers and put new ideas into action? When should we control our impulsive thoughts?
What did this film teach you about cancer, hospitals, doctors, and the medical field in 1969? Did anything surprise you? How would you compare hospital care back then to hospital care today?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 28, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : May 6, 2025
- Cast : Natalie Dormer , Clancy Brown , Jimmi Simpson
- Director : Ami Canaan Mann
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Blue Harbor Entertainment
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Activism ( Gender equality ) , History ( Biopic ) , STEM ( Science )
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic content, smoking and some language
- Last updated : November 8, 2025
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