Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teens learn self-esteem in wilderness school; language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Folktales
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Hege, Romain, and Bjorn Tore are three extremely bright, multilingual 19-year-olds who feel uncomfortable in their own skin at the start of FOLKTALES. One is a self-described "nerd," the other "an overthinker," the other not sure life is worth living. That discomfort led them to enroll in a traditional folk high school in Norway's arctic region. The film follows them for the school year as they struggle to learn to build fires, cook for themselves, survive in the wilderness, and take care of the sled dogs they live with. Slowly, with cellphone use at a minimum and a short course in Norse legends, they find their footing as competent individuals, who also recognize the importance of contributing to the group effort and relying on each other.
Is It Any Good?
Set amid the spectacular scenery of the Norwegian wilderness, Folktales is a moving film that looks at the difficult years all of us experience in the crossover from childhood to adulthood. The three central students are so winning that we root for them to overcome the insecurities and social anxieties that hold them back. With the help of their dazzling and enthusiastic co-stars, a pack of enthusiastic sled dogs, the students begin to bloom into sturdier, more optimistic human beings. It would've been great to know more about what events and feelings in their lives brought the students to the remote and unusual school, as well as what the school's admissions policy criteria are and the cost to attend. But regardless, this is a visually stunning and touching documentary that's worth the watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way some people talk themselves into believing they have no worth. How does the school help show these teens that they have value?
Have you ever accomplished something you were sure would be too difficult to do? How did it make you feel to get it done?
Hege says she stopped using her cellphone while she was engaged with the program. Do you think using social media on cell phones can contribute to problems of self-esteem and feelings of low self-worth?
What character strengths do the teens display here?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 25, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : September 3, 2026
- Directors : Heidi Ewing , Rachel Grady
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Animals ( Dogs ) , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 106 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 21, 2026
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