Kelly & Cal
By S. Jhoanna Robledo,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Mature story of unlikely friends explores serious topics.

A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Kelly & Cal
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
KELLY & CAL, played by Juliette Lewis and Johnny Weston, are an unlikely pair. A former riot girl/artist who just gave birth to her first baby, Kelly is struggling to adapt to life as a new mother, feeling invisible and missing her reckless, unfettered youth. Cal, meanwhile, is a teenage boy recently relegated to a wheelchair after a tragic accident. They bond first over a cigarette and later during many boozy afternoons, where they share their feelings on what they've lost, sometimes forgetting what they already have -- and breaking boundaries in the process.
Is It Any Good?
Lewis turns in a nuanced performance as a new mother set adrift, one that's complemented by her chemistry with her co-star, Weston. But her best efforts are thwarted by a script that overstays its welcome. The film lingers too much, dragging the pace beyond a certain slowness that it does need to make audiences feel the long long days of new motherhood. It's also crowded with too many characters, some of whom deserve more screen time (like Cybill Shepherd, who plays Kelly's mother-in-law), and twists in the storyline that, toward the end, make it a bit of a mess.
Pared down, Kelly & Cal would make a great movie. As it is, it's still fairly watchable, with an admirable sympathy for its main character. It deserves to be seen, especially Lewis' performance. She gets enough to work with to show off her considerable -- if sometimes overlooked -- talents.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the relationships in Kelly & Cal. Do they seem realistic? What messages does the movie send about love and friendship?
What draws Kelly & Cal together? Do you think they have a healthy relationship?
What do you think about Kelly's marriage? How has the arrival of a baby impacted her relationship with her husband? Do you think the movie portrays parenthood realistically?
Movie Details
- In theaters: September 5, 2014
- On DVD or streaming: December 30, 2014
- Cast: Juliette Lewis, Jonny Weston, Cybill Shepherd
- Director: Jen McGowan
- Studio: IFC
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Friendship
- Run time: 107 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: March 20, 2023
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 suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
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