Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Concert docu raises awareness about rare disease; language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Matter of Time
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In MATTER OF TIME, Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder plays a concert in Seattle's symphony hall as a benefit for research to find a cure for the rare skin disorder called epidermolysis bullosa, or EB. The documentary includes parts of that concert as well as the stories of several families and individuals living with EB. Vedder and his wife, Jill, talk about their decade's worth of work fundraising for EB research, and medical specialists who work with patients or are involved in the genetic research explain their knowledge and progress toward finding a cure.
Is It Any Good?
This emotional documentary deftly combines foot-tapping concert footage with heartbreaking individual stories of living with—and searching for a cure for—a rare disease. It would be difficult not to be moved by the stories in Matter of Time of children and families living with a rare genetic condition that can shorten life spans and involve significant pain. We find out two of the profiled patients died before the film even premiered. Vedder is still himself on stage, cursing like a sailor, but he also chokes up and sings his heart out. Matter of Time deserves viewers' time.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what they learned about epidermolysis bullosa (EB) from Matter of Time, as well as the role of research in treating and finding cures for disease. Where could you go for more information?
How do different people profiled in this film demonstrate compassion, teamwork, and perseverance? How do these character strengths work together in the search for a cure to rare diseases?
Would you call this film a concert documentary? Why, or why not?
Do you think the film does a good job weaving together personal stories, scientific information, and music? What, if anything, would you add?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : February 9, 2026
- Cast : Eddie Vedder
- Director : Matt Finlin
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Activism , Family Stories , Friendship , STEM
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 106 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some violence and brief language
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : February 24, 2026
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