Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Slow-paced coming-of-age tale has cursing, some violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Druid Peak
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In DRUID PEAK, Owen is a troubled teen. Unhappy at home and at school in his small West Virginia town, he lashes out at his family and bullies other kids. Owen gets into very deep trouble for his part in a car crash, which he tries to avoid by lying. Desperate to turn her son's life around, Owen's mother sends him to spend the summer with the father he's never met, who's a Yellowstone park ranger in Wyoming. Mostly left to his own devices, Owen starts taking long hikes through the majestic wilderness. A close encounter with a wolf sparks Owen's curiosity, and the more he learns about the wolves, the more he finds himself caring deeply about something other than himself. When summer comes to an end, will Owen be able to leave Yellowstone, his dad, and the wolves behind?
Is It Any Good?
This quiet, slow, coming-of-age drama's relatable story and solid but not stellar acting are both upstaged by the gorgeous landscapes of Yellowstone National Park. Druid Peak loses momentum and can start to feel aimless during some of the long, quiet stretches that mainly bask in the scenery. Sensitive animal lovers may be upset by the deaths of both cattle and wolves. The scenes are brief, and they're important to understanding the problems and successes of reintroducing wolves to Yellowstone.
It's a good choice for a low-key but thought-provoking movie night with young teens and up. All ages can appreciate the reminder that there's a much bigger world out there, and that growing up means finding your place in it by thinking about others and not just yourself.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the strong language in Druid Peak. Is it realistic? How much is OK in movies?
Is returning wolves to Yellowstone a good idea? Should hunting them be allowed? Why or why not?
Everett tells Owen to make better choices. What does he mean? What are some things you could make better choices about?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 28, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : June 23, 2015
- Cast : Spencer Treat Clark , Andrew Wilson
- Director : Marni Zelnick
- Studio : Indie Rights
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Adventures , School ( High School ) , Animals , STEM
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Integrity
- Run time : 111 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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