Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thoughtful relationship drama with big feelings, swearing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Magic Hour
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
MAGIC HOUR begins with phone-filmed footage of Erin (Katie Aselton) lovingly goading her partner, Charlie (Daveed Diggs), to get on a Ferris wheel. Some indeterminate time after that outing, the couple arrives at the Joshua Tree desert home of their dear friend, Marshall (Brad Garrett), who gently tells Erin that he hopes the stay in his home will help them heal from their (unspoken) issues. It's clear that something is wrong between Erin and Charlie and that they're both mired in an overwhelming sense of loss that they're processing in different ways. About 20 minutes into the film, the source of their pain is revealed, and the rest of the drama explores the transformative nature of grief.
Is It Any Good?
Aselton and Diggs' chemistry elevates this nuanced exploration of loss beyond its central twist. The layered story works, as does its relatively early revelation of what's really going on between Erin and Charlie, because viewers so readily believe in the protagonist couple. What works best in this character-driven film is the authenticity that the actors (who are reportedly friends, as well as on-screen collaborators) bring to their characters' intimacy. Both Aselton and Diggs can convey a great deal with just a minimal look or gesture, and their performances are the heart of the raw drama.
Beyond the two stars, Garrett and Shangela—who's one of a small group of drag queens who are also friends of Marshall and stop by his ethereal home—are effective in their supporting roles. The movie is noticeably short (80 minutes), and the screenplay, which director Aselton co-wrote with her actor-filmmaker husband, Mark Duplass, doesn't answer every question it raises about the main characters' relationship. But the central performances linger, offering a poignant reminder of how love and loss can lead to magical thinking.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Magic Hour addresses the big feelings that are at the core of its story. How does the movie portray dealing with loss?
The story delays revealing the nature of the main characters' tension for 20 minutes. Were you surprised at the revelation? How did it change your view of the story?
The screenplay was written by married filmmakers. How do you think that relationship comes through in the script?
What positive personality traits do you think the characters display? How do they demonstrate compassion, empathy, and perseverance?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 15, 2026
- Cast : Katie Aselton , Daveed Diggs , Brad Garrett
- Director : Katie Aselton
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Greenwich Entertainment
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy , Perseverance
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : June 7, 2026
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