Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Comedy about teen sexual differences has pot, drinking, sex.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Fitting In
What's the Story?
In FITTING IN, 16-year-old Lindy (Maddie Ziegler) is ready to have her first sexual experience with her boyfriend, Adam (D'Pharoah Woon-A-Tai). But during her first visit to the gynecologist to get a prescription for birth control, she's shocked to learn that she has Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome (aka MRKH), a congenital disorder often associated with being intersex that typically results in an underdeveloped vagina and uterus. The condition significantly inhibits her ability to have sex and eliminates her ability to become pregnant. Reeling from the news, Lindy tries to figure out alternative solutions while shutting out the people who love her.
Is It Any Good?
Writer-director Molly McGlynn uses her own experiences as a teen for the basis of this memorable, amusing "traumedy" (as she calls it) that's both an identity eye-opener and conversation starter. Through Lindy, her intersex friend Jax (played by intersex transmasculine nonbinary actor Ki Griffin), and Lindy's mom (Emily Hampshire)—a breast cancer survivor who's saving money for reconstructive surgery post-mastectomy—McGlynn makes it clear that there's far more to pronouns than preferences. What makes someone female, male, or nonbinary? Breasts? Genitals? Reproductive organs?
Lindy's journey is one that's never been told in a mainstream movie, and it's likely that few viewers will come in to Fitting In already familiar with MRKH. The movie entertains, engages, and educates through sharp writing, authentic teen interactions, and a tone that's kept consistently light despite its subject matter. In the 1980s, it was groundbreaking when John Hughes made movies that showed the real-life concerns of teens—like bullies, grades, and prom. Today's teens have a greater understanding of the world, and McGlynn elevates the genre by respecting their emotional intelligence.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Fitting In approaches gender expression and identity. Why is a binary definition discouraged?
Discuss Lindy's relationship with her mother. There are some topics she feels she can discuss with her mom and some she can't. Why do you think that is? Are there topics in your family that you'd like to be able to talk about but don't feel able to?
Fitting In was inspired by the filmmaker's own life experience. If you made a movie about your life, what would the plot be? What would be the message?
Are drinking and pot use glamorized? Are there realistic consequences? Why does that matter?
Discuss the way that Lindy treats Chad, the boy who works at the fast-food restaurant. How does his character compare to high school boys in other teen comedies? How does the media tend to present boys when it comes to casual sexual encounters, and is it accurate?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 2, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : March 19, 2024
- Cast : Maddie Ziegler , Djouliet Amara , D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai , Emily Hampshire
- Director : Molly McGlynn
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Queer Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Indigenous Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Blue Fox Entertainment
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Empathy
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual content, language throughout, drug use and drinking – all involving teens
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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