Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Grandfather, grandson bond in family drama; language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Looking Through Water
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
LOOKING THROUGH WATER centers on William McKay (Michael Douglas), a grandfather who loves fishing. When William's emotionally wrecked daughter asks him to take her son, Kyle (Walker Scobell), fishing for the day, William bonds with his grandson by telling him the story of why he likes fishing. The story involves William's younger self (Michael Stahl-David) reconnecting with his own father (David Morse) during a fishing competition in Belize.
Is It Any Good?
This drama has a solid story and will leave viewers who love gentle family stories satisfied enough. But Looking Through Water, much of which takes place in the 1990s, feels like a film that was written in the '90s, which is both good and bad. On the upside, it has a nostalgic feel. But on the downside, it also seems to align with '90s-era views on racial representation.
Co-star Tamara Tunie, who plays Jill-of-all-trades Miss Reno, is like the town's de facto leader, but her purpose in the movie is primarily to help the younger William, his brother Cole (Cameron Douglas), and their father reconcile. Similarly, Jenny (Ximena Romo) is a clichéd "exotic girlfriend," only there to help William learn about love. Those issues aside, though, Looking Through Water is a decent story drama about generational relationships.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the family relationships in Looking Through Water. How does William bond with Kyle? Why is it important to William to get through to his grandson? How does their relationship compare to other grandparent-grandchild relationships you've seen in the movies?
How do characters demonstrate compassion, empathy, and humility in the movie? Why are those important character strengths?
What allows Kyle to trust William? What lessons does William pass on to Kyle? How would you describe the movie's overall message?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 12, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : September 30, 2025
- Cast : Michael Douglas , Michael Stahl-David , Cameron Douglas , Walker Scobell
- Director : Roberto Sneider
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Director(s) , Mexican Movie Director(s)
- Studio : Good Deed Entertainment
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Family Stories ( Dads , Grandparents , Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy , Humility
- Run time : 106 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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