Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Rewarding gem about friendship and life's changes; swearing.
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Driveways
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In DRIVEWAYS, Cody (Lucas Jaye), almost 9, and his single mom, Kathy (Hong Chau), journey halfway across the country to dispose of the house and belongings of April, Kathy's recently deceased older sister. The two women haven't been close, but nothing has prepared Kathy and Cody for what they find. Aunt April hoarded things: The house overflowing with furniture and collectibles lost amidst mountains of trash and garbage. What seemed like a quick pack-up-and-sell project has become much more. As the days progress, Cody begins a tentative relationship with Del (Brian Dennehy), the retiree next door. For both the boy -- lonely, shy, and wise beyond his years -- and the proud former soldier, who's now too much on his own, this new friendship becomes meaningful, enlightening, and ultimately transformative.
Is It Any Good?
Delivering the simplicity and honesty that only an assured director and graceful writing provides, with remarkable performances and a compelling story, this film might be an almost "perfect movie." For a story without a complex plot, there are still enough surprises and offbeat moments to keep it from being predictable. Brian Dennehy, in one of his final performances, gives a great one. He's matched scene for scene by Lucas Jaye, a child who's as wonderfully truthful and intelligent in the role as he is lovable. The evolution of their relationship, based on insight and empathy despite their ages, is the highlight of an already smart, unusual film. Driveways is director Andrew Ahn's second feature film. Highly recommended.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the term "character-driven film." How does Driveways fit that description? What moves the story forward: Is it a series of events, or does it rely on personal emotions and/or behavior? Categorize some other film favorites of yours: Are they action-driven, plot-driven, or character-driven? Which do you usually like best, and why?
Sometimes a place can be considered a "character" in a movie or story. How was Aunt April's house a character in this film? How did the house, especially the interior, affect the story? Could there have been any story at all without Aunt April's house? Why or why not?
Cody's mom called him "Professor." Why? What character traits did he have that might have reminded Kathy of a professor?
Movies like this one are sometimes referred to as "slice-of-life" films. How does that term describe Driveways?
Subtle references and queer subtext can be found throughout the film. What references to same-sex love did you notice? How does Cody differ from the gendered expectations of a 9-year-old boy? Who tries to make him change, and who supports him as he is?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : May 13, 2020
- Cast : Lucas Jaye , Brian Dennehy , Hong Chau
- Director : Andrew Ahn
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Queer Movie Director(s) , Asian Movie Director(s) , Korean Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : FilmRise
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Courage , Curiosity , Integrity
- Run time : 83 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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