Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Myers
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Charming father-daughter movie has language, teen drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Gringa
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
GRINGA follows 16-year-old Marge (Jess Gabor), who runs away to Mexico to find her dad, Jackson (Steve Zahn), after her mother (Judy Greer) dies in a car accident. Jackson used to be a professional soccer player, but now he mainly cares about surfing, drinking, and coaching a girls' soccer team. When Marge shows up, Jackson tries to dissuade her from staying by telling her how unfit he is to be a parent -- but he eventually agrees to let her stay with him for a month. Marge has lots of self-image issues and an eating disorder. The two make a pact: She'll stop binging and purging if he stops drinking. During her month in Mexico, Marge joins her dad's soccer team, starts dating a local boy, gains confidence, and becomes friends with her teammates, all while beginning to forge a solid relationship with Jackson. Marge's life in Mexico seems to be going really well until, at her best friend's quinceañera, she learns some distressing news about her boyfriend -- and Jackson is tempted by alcohol. Can he be the dad that she needs?
Is It Any Good?
This is a heartwarming, surprisingly delightful dramedy about father-daughter relationships. Zahn does a great job of playing a man who's suddenly responsible for a teenage daughter, and Gabor deftly portrays a self-conscious yet spunky teenager who desperately wants a relationship with her dad, even though she hasn't heard great things about him from her mom and grandparents. A few scenes change abruptly, with poor transitions, but that's a minor flaw. Overall, Gringa manages to have viewers rooting for both Jackson and Marge, balancing serious emotion with lighter moments of humor. Teens will likely be able to relate to some of the angst, bullying, and self-doubt that Marge goes through, and both teen and adult audiences should enjoy it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Gringa depicts the bullying that Marge faced. How do you think that might be tied to her low self-esteem and bulimia?
How did Marge's confidence and self-image change over the course of the film? Did being on the soccer team in Mexico impact that?
What kind of relationship does Marge have with her dad? Teens: Is it similar to any you have with the adults in your life? Why, or why not?
How did Marge's new team's perception of her change? Was it just because she helped them win a game? Were you ever in a situation where you were new and felt out of place? How did you overcome that?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 21, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : April 21, 2023
- Cast : Steve Zahn , Judy Greer , Roselyn Sanchez , Jess Gabor
- Directors : Marny Eng , E.J. Foerster
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Gravitas Ventures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : School ( High School )
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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