Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Quirky drama about secrets leaves viewers in the dark.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Change in the Air
What's the Story?
In CHANGE IN THE AIR, beautiful, mysterious Wren Miller (Rachel Brosnahan) moves into a friendly but very curious neighborhood. The longer Wren lives nearby, the more odd things start happening, and the neighbors' secrets start to emerge. Meanwhile, Wren's perplexing behavior is driving the neighbors -- particularly Jo Ann (Mary Beth Hurt) -- mad with curiosity. Why does she receive an enormous amount of mail, where does she go during the day, and why does she avoid the police?
Is It Any Good?
This is a movie with a big message -- unfortunately, that message is unclear. As characters are introduced, a mystery unravels: Who are all these neighbors to each other? What are their personal struggles? And what is the new neighbor's secret, and how will she solve their problems? It would be nice to say that 94 minutes later, the answers to all of these questions were revealed with a whopping WOW, but, no. It ends with a "huh?" and a "did I miss something?"
This might be a faith-based film, but that's fuzzy, too. Most confounding is why well-respected, award-winning actors like Olympia Dukakis, Rachel Brosnahan, M. Emmet Walsh, and Aidan Quinn signed up for a film of such "eh" stature. Dukakis and Quinn perform admirably, given the circumstances, but Brosnahan mostly just walks and gazes while trying to be ethereal, so it's hard to give her kudos. Plus, it's challenging to follow the subplot in each of the houses, much less care about the characters themselves. And then there's the title. What exactly does it mean? On one hand, a young woman moves into a community, and her presence drives change; on the other, an aged gentleman always carries loose change with him, and there's a connection with birds flying in the air. So is the title a corny play on words? The only thing that is clear is that Change in the Air will keep you guessing long after the screen goes dark.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Wren. Who or what was she? What was her purpose? Why do you think she moved to the other characters' street? Do you think she made a positive impact in Change in the Air? Where do you think she is now?
Is writing your thoughts down for no one else to read but you a form of communication? Why do you think people keep a journal? What benefit does journaling provide?
Jo Ann's curiosity crossed some boundaries, both social and legal. Why is curiosity considered a strength? Can curiosity have negative effects?
How does Wren demonstrate compassion? Why is this an important character strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 19, 2018
- On DVD or streaming : December 4, 2018
- Cast : Rachel Brosnahan , Mary Beth Hurt , Aidan Quinn , Olympia Dukakis
- Director : Dianne Dreyer
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Screen Media
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some thematic elements and brief language
- Last updated : December 14, 2022
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