Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Nice guy tries to change personality; lots of sex, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Friendzone
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Thibault (Mikael Lumiere) is a handsome young nurse who can't seem to get anywhere with the women he falls for, stuck eternally in the FRIENDZONE. His three closest women friends advise it's because he's too nice, too talkative, too funny, too conflict-averse, and too honest to ever be considered as a romantic partner. They propose a plan to help him win over Rose (Eva Danino), a woman who likes him as a friend. He undergoes a makeover. Maud (Manon Azem) takes him on grueling runs to toughen him up. Lulu (Fadily Camara) takes him African dancing to smooth his moves. Alex (Constance Arnoult) seductively role-plays to teach him to stop talking and listen instead. He practices picking up other women in bars by smiling cockily and saying nothing and Jennifer (Eloise Valli), a social media influencer, falls for him. Thibault's kindness is constantly on display as he treats his pediatric patients and his elderly ones with equal compassion and respect. In the end, niceness and honesty win the day.
Is It Any Good?
Friendzone is a cheerful and good-natured romantic comedy about tweaking our personalities to be our best selves, but also staying true to ourselves. Thibault is a great guy to start with, but his female friends persuade him that he lacks the mystery that would make him more successful with women. The fact that, in the end, he regrets manipulating Rose and admits his error to her makes this a nice example of how honesty can be the best policy and also be rewarded. Makeover stories are often appealing, and Friendzone adds to that concept memorable characters and amusing insights into male-female relationships.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the "friendzone" concept. Does it exist? Does Thibault have to change to win the love of the woman he wants? Why or why not?
What kind of stereotypes does this movie try to bust? What stereotypes does it promote? Do men who talk more really win fewer women?
Why do you think Thibault confesses what he's been doing to Rose? Why do you think his confession influences her?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 29, 2021
- Cast : Mikael Lumiere , Manon Azem , Fadily Camara , Eva Danino , Eoise Valli , Constance Arnoult
- Director : Charles Van Tieghem
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Romance
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2021
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
Suggest an Update
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