Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Music-driven anti-romance tale has drugs, sex, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Off the Record
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In OFF THE RECORD, singer-songwriter Astor Gray (Rainey Qualley) receives an unexpected boost of support when former hitmaker Brandyn Verge (Ryan Hansen) posts about her music—and asks her out. One date quickly explodes into a full-throttle romance, and Astor seems poised to have it all: true love and a partner who believes in her enough to help her career dreams come true. But as Brandyn starts to become more possessive, Astor realizes that her dreams may be turning into a nightmare.
Is It Any Good?
This cautionary tale is like the mirror image of A Star Is Born, but not nearly as good—though the outcome of Astor's romance with a rocker twice her age is, unfortunately, more realistic. The movie's dialogue and plot points feel like a primal scream into a pillow: You know that some (if not all) of these things happened to some poor woman in real life. And while Off the Record isn't a great film, it is a promising first film from stuntwoman-turned-writer-director Kirsten Foe. For older teens with stars in their eyes, it could be a good warning that stars are beautiful from a distance, but can burn you up close.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what makes Off the Record a cautionary tale. Does creating a warning in story form make that warning more memorable? Do you think you'd remember this story if you ever found yourself in a similar situation?
How have power and celebrity historically been used to coerce, manipulate, or lull victims into a false sense of safety? What red flags does Brandyn demonstrate? Put yourself in Astor's shoes: Do you think you'd have made different decisions?
The actresses who play Astor and her best friend, Noelle, are best friends in real life. Do you think that helps make their friendship more believable on the big screen? If you were a director, would you want to cast it that way, or do you think that makes it more challenging?
How does Astor demonstrate courage and perseverance? Why are those important character traits?
Does Off the Record glamorize drug use and/or drinking? Why, or why not? Why does it matter?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 2, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : May 2, 2025
- Cast : Rainey Qualley , Ryan Hansen , Olivia Sui
- Director : Kirsten Foe
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Quiver Distribution
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language throughout and sexual content
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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