Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
British comedy that promotes veganism has strong language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Coffee Wars
What's the Story?
COFFEE WARS tells the story of Jo (Kate Nash), a green-haired, idealistic vegan barista who owns her own coffee shop. Though she is very convincing in her arguments, her business suffers, as the public are seemingly less enthusiastic about veganism than she is. But given her remarkable talent for making coffee, she decides to spread the good word of her lifestyle, and enters into the World Barista Championships, hoping to prove that vegan coffee is as good as anything her competitors can create.
Is It Any Good?
Much like its central character, this British comedy has its heart in the right place, and is principled and well-meaning. But ultimately Coffee Wars is a little grating in its approach to its material. Most meat eaters will at some point have felt that element of guilt attached to their choice of diet, and often wished they could have the temperament and will to be a vegan. In many ways it is an admirable lifestyle, not just for the sake of animals, but for the planet, too. So with that in mind, we find ourselves siding with Jo the vegan barista. At least initially.
The film is self-aware and, vitally, self-deprecating. Dressed up in the familiar, cinematic sports-movie format, and with a comedic approach, the tonality allows for the film to share its principles without veering into being overly preachy. But after a while, as Jo tries to convince everyone around her that veganism is the right thing to do, it soon feels as though the viewer is the actual intended target. But hey, it's a good cause with proceeds from the film being donated to environmental and animal welfare charities, so why not?
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Coffee Wars had to say about veganism. What were Jo's arguments for being vegan? Did you find the film's message to be too preachy? Did it make you consider your own eating habits? If so, how?
Talk about the strong language in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Jo is a very strong-willed, independent woman who runs her own business. Would you describe her as a role model? What makes a good role model?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : March 21, 2023
- Cast : Kate Nash , Saoirse-Monica Jackson , Toby Sebastian
- Director : Randall Miller
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : VegGood Films
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Activism , Cooking
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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