Dinner in America
Drugs, swearing in edgy but lovable romcom.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Dinner in America
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Dinner in America is a punk-rock comedy romance about two folks on the fringes who find each other through a love of music. It's edgy but lovable, albeit sometimes a bit abrasive and with less than admirable behavior on display. Expect constant strong language ("f--k," "s--t," "c--t," "c--k," and much more) as well as graphic sex-related dialogue and slurs ("retard," "f--got," etc.). There's kissing, brief nudity, sexual situations, and a suggested sex scene (with moaning sounds). The main character sells drugs, smokes cigarettes throughout, pops pills, and encourages a teen to smoke pot. Another character is high on quaaludes, and some drinking is seen. Characters argue and fight, a vulnerable character is bullied, objects are thrown, and people are hit with a metal bat. A person sets fire to a house, there's a dead cat, characters spit and vomit, and a man defecates in an alley.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
In DINNER IN AMERICA, punk rocker Simon (Kyle Gallner) checks out of an experimental drug test, having been shorted the money he was promised. He accompanies fellow test subject Beth (Hannah Marks) home for dinner, and, before too long, ends up making out with Beth's mom, Betty (Lea Thompson), and setting their house on fire. He goes on the run, and meek, naive pet shop clerk Patty (Emily Skeggs) helps him evade the cops. Patty is a fan of punk rock band Psyops, of which Simon is secretly the anonymous lead singer (he wears a ski mask on stage). She's written many letters to her "music boyfriend," which Simon carries in his bag. They start spending time together, with Simon helping her collect her last paycheck after losing her job and stand up to the people who've been bullying her. Then he helps her record a song, using her letters as lyrics, and everything changes. But Simon must still reckon with his criminal past.
Is It Any Good?
On paper, this edgy indie romcom about folks on the fringes has been done before, but in practice, the humane performances (and especially a transfixing musical moment) make it something special. From the outset -- the first shot of Dinner in America is a drug-sick, drooling Simon glaring at the camera with watery eyes -- the characters keep viewers off-balance. Simon's every interaction is laced with rage, cruelty, and cynicism, but occasionally he lets flickers of caring show. Meanwhile, Patty is even more of a cipher, enduring excruciating family dinners (perhaps blissfully unaware of just what's so excruciating about them) before heading to her room to blast punk rock. In truth, it's not always easy to like these two -- or to figure out what makes them tick.
But as Dinner in America goes on through its strange, funny episodes, that's precisely what makes them so interesting. Like the characters in Harold & Maude and many other movies, they eventually form an undeniable bond, here crystallized when they record their song. Simon lays down the drums, guitar, and bass and then presses record while Patty shyly begins to sing a song called "Watermelon." What emerges is one of those resplendent movie moments that makes you want to hold your breath until it's over, for fear of breaking the spell. Something beautiful emerges right before our eyes. It registers on Simon's face; he drops all his defenses. He's been emotionally touched. And so have we.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Dinner in America's violence. What do you think made Simon react to things with such rage and destruction? Were there consequences for his actions?
How does the movie depict bullying behavior? How are the perpetrators handled? What are some other ways of dealing with those who bully?
How is sex depicted? Is there trust? Respect? Parents, talk to teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
How does the movie depict drinking, smoking, and drugs? Are they glamorized? Are there consequences?
What makes these characters likable? What didn't you like about them? Why?
Movie Details
- In theaters: May 27, 2022
- On DVD or streaming: June 7, 2022
- Cast: Kyle Gallner, Emily Skeggs, Hannah Marks
- Director: Adam Carter Rehmeier
- Studio: Best & Final Releasing
- Genre: Comedy
- Run time: 106 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: July 30, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Punch Drunk Love
Odd romantic journey for adults and older teens.
-
Ghost World
Offbeat indie dramedy will resonate with older teens.
-
Harold and Maude
A classic of dark comedy.
-
Hesher
Coming-of-age dramedy is too dark, edgy for kids.
-
Welcome to the Dollhouse
A dark look at adolescence; not for kids.
For kids who love romcoms
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate