Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Languid drama about mental health has drug use, suicide.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Rare Objects
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
RARE OBJECTS follows Benita (Julia Mayorga), who experiences a significant trauma. After leaving rehab, she tries to regroup by moving back home and getting a job in an antiques store. She works alongside her kindly employer (Alan Cumming) and reunites with one of her friends from rehabilitation, Diana (Katie Holmes), who's living with mental illness. Through friendship, Benita learns more about herself and others around her.
Is It Any Good?
This introspective drama furthers the idea of New York as a fantastical, buzzy place. That said, Rare Objects does drag at times, with the story feeling like it doesn't really know what to do. And while every character is well-acted and empathetic, some are more like sketches of people rather than complete characters. This isn't wholly a bad thing, since the actors are still able to create something engaging with what they have. But it's frustrating that there isn't much of a concrete resolution for Benita's storyline, particularly when it comes to how she resolves her feelings about her prior trauma.
Overall, Rare Objects is a solid watch, and as Holmes' third feature film as director, it's a good entry on her resume. But some scenes feel more languid than they have to be, and seeing Holmes co-star as Diana feels more like a vanity choice than a decision made with the character in mind. But viewers will likely appreciate the rich performances by Mayorga and Cumming and by Saundra Santiago as Benita's mother.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Rare Objects addresses mental health. How does it compare to other films on the topic?
How do the characters demonstrate empathy and compassion?
Did you notice positive diverse representations in the movie? Why is that important?
How does the movie address suicide? What should you do if you're worried about a friend or family member? What resources are available to help both kids and adults? (If you or someone you love is in crisis, you can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.)
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 14, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : April 14, 2023
- Cast : Julia Mayorga , Katie Holmes , Alan Cumming , Derek Luke
- Director : Katie Holmes
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Bisexual Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : IFC Films
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy
- Run time : 123 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and some drug use
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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