Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
British family drama tackles masculinity, gender expression.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Pretty Red Dress
What's the Story?
In PRETTY RED DRESS, a South London family struggle to get back to normal after father Travis (Natey Jones) comes home from prison. His wife, Candice (Alexandra Burke), is anxious about the final round of auditions for her dream role as Tina Turner in the West End, while daughter Kenisha (Temilola Olatunbosun) is increasingly rebellious and secretive. When they discover Travis wearing Candice's glittery red audition dress behind closed doors, things are thrown into ever further turmoil.
Is It Any Good?
In her debut feature, writer-director Dionne Edwards has created a nuanced portrayal of Black masculinity, as well as the binaries, stereotypes, and expectations that can stifle us all. But Pretty Red Dress is also layered with warmth, playfulness, and beauty, the titular red dress a shining beacon of hope and escape to both Candice and Travis alike. In her first movie role, The X-Factor-winner-turned West End star Burke is quite the success. There's plenty of opportunity for her to impress with renditions of Tina Turner songs in the audition scenes, but it's the emotional moments back in the family's South London flat that show a whole new potential. Jones equally steps confidently into his first leading role, creating beautifully quiet, underplayed moments of wonder as he's drawn toward the dress and feels the overwhelming impact of stepping into it and finding release. Newcomer Olantunbosan also makes a memorable impact as Kenisha, the dynamic between the three actors never losing its hold during the nearly two-hour runtime. It's an enjoyable and impactful movie that marks director and actors as ones to watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the portrayal of gender in Pretty Red Dress. How did gender binaries affect various characters? How were traditionally masculine and feminine traits portrayed? Why is it important to see stories on-screen about people who don't fit into those binaries? How did the movie portray the prejudiced opinions of others?
The film tells the story of a Black family with members who are gay and gender non-conforming. Why is it important to have a queer Black writer and director at the helm to tell this story? Why representation matters in kids' media.
How did Travis show courage during the film? How did it affect his journey toward freer self-expression? Why is it important to find the courage to be yourself?
Discuss the strong and homophobic language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How did the film portray sex and relationships? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 16, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : June 16, 2023
- Cast : Natey Jones , Alexandra Burke , Temilola Olatunbosun
- Director : Dionne Edwards
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Gravitas Ventures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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