Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Satire offers insightful, edgy look at race relations.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Dear White People
What's the Story?
Set at a fictional Ivy League college named Winchester University, DEAR WHITE PEOPLE follows Lionel (Tyler James Williams), a gifted writer who is recruited by the school's paper to write about grumblings that have ensued since the Randomization of Housing Act was passed. At Armstrong-Parker House, a dorm that historically has been the school's base for African American students, Samantha White (Tessa Thompson), a budding filmmaker and DJ, is luring listeners with both her frank observations about classmates in a radio show called "Dear White People" and her call to repeal the housing act. She has also stumped campus golden boy Troy (Brandon Bell), her ex, by winning the race for the position of Armstrong-Parker's student president—long Troy's domain. Meanwhile, the glamorous Coco (Teyonah Parris), who finds Sam's advocacy tiresome, just wants to be famous, which drives her to join the campus humor magazine, which is staffed by students—including the college president's son—who want to keep milking their privilege.
Is It Any Good?
Writer-director Justin Simien's college campus satire is exhilarating for two main reasons. First, Dear White People is rife with ideas and enthusiastic about sharing them, but without the dogma that sometimes keeps audiences at a distance. Second, it's bold, unburdened by a narrative frame—the storytelling jumps to and fro with ease. Astute social and cultural observations arrive wrapped in witty dialogue and hyperkinetic scenes. The action and conversations move so fast that boredom isn't an option.
Some may say it's too hyperactive for its own good, and they're not wholly wrong. At times, you want Simien to linger a little on the punch lines and epiphanies before adding another layer. But it's still exciting to watch. Dear White People is in-your-face moviemaking that demands your attention. It deserves it. It deals with weighty subjects confidently and reminds us that we need to talk about race relations—and not gingerly. It's good satire because its bite carries the pain of truth.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about race relations in America and the issues that Dear White People raises. What is the state of race relations in this country? Do you think things are generally changing positively, or negatively? Why?
Is satire a good genre for addressing issues that are difficult to discuss? Why, or why not?
What's the movie's take on identity and community? How is this movie different from other films that explore these issues?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 17, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : February 3, 2015
- Cast : Tessa Thompson , Tyler James Williams , Dennis Haysbert
- Director : Justin Simien
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Queer Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Writer(s) , Queer Movie Writer(s) , Black Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Roadside Attractions
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Activism ( Racial justice )
- Run time : 106 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language, sexual content and drug use
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : November 10, 2025
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