Common Sense Media Review
By Tracey Petherick
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Strong language and adult themes in intense romantic drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
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Pink Wall
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
The troubled story of an intense relationship, PINK WALL focuses on six key moments in the lives of Jenna (Tatiana Maslaney) and Leon (Jay Duplass). Moving back and forth in time, after falling in love, and as their relationship evolves, the couple tackle the inevitable challenges of romance and love. Through a series of intimate scenes and candid conversations about childhood confessions, career aspirations, and feelings about sex and fidelity, Jenna and Leon struggle to navigate the fine line between love and hate.
Is It Any Good?
An honest, gritty insight into love and romance, this movie exposes the joys and pitfalls of relationships. The dialogue-driven narrative is so natural it could have been -- and probably was at least partly -- improvised. Intimate, sensual, and perceptive, Pink Wall touches on mental health, self-esteem issues, gender politics, and the often unrealistic expectations humans have of romantic love. Written and directed by Tom Cullen -- himself an actor, having been a regular in Downton Abbey -- this study in human interaction is at times compelling, at times annoying.
The two lead characters -- beautifully acted by Maslaney and Transparent's Duplass -- veer from charming and funny, and interesting and cool, to nightmarish and needy, and aggressive. As a viewer you feel the same love-hate relationship for them as they do for one another. Emotions run high throughout, not least during an anxiety-inducing dinner party that is basically just a series of arguments and offensive put-downs. Like the whole movie, it's powerful stuff -- and certainly thought-provoking -- but ultimately there's just not enough joy to balance out the angst.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how relationships are presented in Pink Wall. Is it important to show the negative sides of a romance as well as the positives? What character strengths do you think are most important to a successful relationship? How are relationships depicted in other movies? Why do we crave happy endings and how do we feel when we don't get one?
How is sex portrayed in the movie? Is it loving and respectful? What does it mean for the characters involved? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
How is drinking, smoking, and drug use depicted in the movie? Are they glamorized? What are the consequences?
Discuss the strong language used. Does it seem necessary, or excessive? What does it contribute to the movie?
Jenna is the "main breadwinner" in the relationship. How does this compare to other portrayals of relationships on-screen? Why is it good to challenge gender stereotypes?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 12, 2019
- Cast : Tatiana Maslany , Jay Duplass , Sarah Ovens
- Director : Tom Cullen
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Pinpoint Films
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Empathy
- Run time : 82 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : April 29, 2022
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