Common Sense Media Review
By Tracey Petherick
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dirt racing drama has positive messages, some iffy language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Lady Driver
What's the Story?
Ellie (Grace Van Dien), a rebellious teen, uncovers her dirt track racing roots in LADY DRIVER, when she runs away from her privileged life and reconnects with her uncle Tim (Sean Patrick Flanery). After persuading him to let her work in his body shop for the summer, Ellie shows real promise not only under the bonnet but also behind the wheel. Recognizing her talent, Tim encourages her to compete at the Petaluma Speedway dirt track, sparking a passion for racing that leaves Ellie determined to go all the way to the top.
Is It Any Good?
Despite a few implausible plot lines, this zero-to-hero racing drama somehow draws you in with its likable characters and -- paradoxically -- authentic dirt track settings. Lady Driver's rebellious misfit, Ellie, gets off to a shaky start when she somehow gets away with stealing -- then crashing -- the school car, only to wind up being towed, by some almighty coincidence, to her long-lost uncle's body shop. Fortunately Uncle Tim is a gruff but caring misfit himself, providing the perfect foil to Ellie's enthusiasm and determination. Settling into his role as mentor and father figure, Tim introduces Ellie to dirt track racing and the action shifts to the gritty, atmospheric world of the Petaluma Speedway, avoiding the flashy, Hollywood stereotype of a racing movie in favor of unpretentious characters and real race footage.
While Ellie's trajectory from total amateur to nationals qualifier is unrealistically fast, her personal journey is slightly more believable. She bonds with her uncle, builds bridges with her mom (Christina Moore), and finds closure over the death of her father, all the while finding her calling -- and her crew -- as an accomplished racing driver. If you're hoping for Fast & Furious levels of energy and glitz, step away. But if you're after a warm-hearted coming-of-age drama with a dash of excitement thrown in, Lady Driver should just about tick enough boxes. And the oddly abrupt ending might actually leave you wanting more.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about which characters in Lady Driver are good role models. Who exhibits traits such as compassion, empathy, perseverance, and courage? Why are these good character strengths to have? Can you think of any times when you've shown these qualities?
Discuss the use of language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie? Were you surprised to hear it in a movie like this?
How does the movie portray alcoholism? Did you think it was realistic? What were the consequences of Tim's drinking?
Talk about Ellie's role as a female competitor in a male-dominated sport. How does the movie portray female empowerment? Do you think it does a good job?
Parts of this movie are actual racing footage with real-life drivers behind the wheel. Do you think this makes it feel more authentic? Could you tell that some scenes are cut with real-life action? Can you think of any other movies that use this technique?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 2, 2020
- On DVD or streaming : May 3, 2020
- Cast : Grace Van Dien , Sean Patrick Flanery , Christina Moore
- Director : Shaun Paul Piccinino
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Bisexual Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic elements and language
- Last updated : April 29, 2022
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