Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Poignant, serious cowboy drama is a controlled burn.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Rebuilding
What's the Story?
Dusty Fraser (Josh O'Connor) is a divorced dad whose Colorado ranch burned to the ground in a devastating wildfire. Relocated temporarily to a FEMA-provided mobile home park for fire victims, he must figure out how to start REBUILDING his life. One big step will be deciding whether to take professionally fulfilling work far away for several years, which would help him afford to rebuild, or to agree to do an emotionally empty job that would keep him in the same town as his young daughter, Callie-Rose (Lilly LaTorre). Also joining Dusty in facing an unknown future are his ex-wife, Ruby (Meghann Fahy); Ruby's mom, Bess (Amy Madigan); Ruby's new boyfriend, Robbie (Sam Engbring); and a community of other diverse folks who also lost their homes in the fire.
Is It Any Good?
Quiet, beautiful, and moving, this drama is a slow burn whose embers warm the soul. Rebuilding is a tale of family—the one you're born into, the one you build, and the one you choose. O'Connor gives an outstanding performance as a stoic cowboy who expresses nothing and yet reveals everything. The film never feels emotionally exploitative, but good luck not tearing up at its poignancy.
Parents and caregivers will certainly appreciate this story, but the issues Dusty faces are very much adult concerns, leaving little for kids to relate to, despite the lack of iffy content. Rebuilding doesn't gallop, it moseys, and that pace may be a little too gentle for antsy youth. Still, Callie-Rose is a bright girl growing up in a home full of love, and her feelings about the possibility of her dad leaving may resonate with some tweens and teens.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what happens to nature after a forest fire. How does Rebuilding make this into a metaphor for what happens to humans?
How does Dusty demonstrate perseverance, humility, and self-control? Do you consider him a role model? Why, or why not?
Talk about how Dusty, Ruby, Callie-Rose, Bess, and Robbie are a family, despite divorce. Think about other divorced parent characters in movies: How does this portrayal compare? Why is it important to show these kinds of relationships in a positive light?
Talk about your own family's emergency plan. What preventative measures can you take to be sure you're prepared if disaster strikes?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 14, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : January 13, 2026
- Cast : Josh O'Connor , Meghann Fahy , Lily LaTorre , Amy Madigan
- Director : Max Walker-Silverman
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Bleecker Street
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Family Stories ( Dads ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Humility , Perseverance , Self-control
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic elements, some drug material, and brief language
- Last updated : January 21, 2026
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
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate