Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Pioneer's story addresses sexuality, sexism; some language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Sally
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
SALLY Ride was a pioneer as the first American woman in space. She was also a lesbian who kept her sexuality and lifelong partner hidden from public view. Using interviews with her partner of 27 years, family members, former colleagues, her husband, journalists, and others, this documentary delves into aspects of Ride's groundbreaking career, her personality and personal life, and her legacy.
Is It Any Good?
In an age when any millionaire can go to space, women can vie for any career, and being gay shouldn't result in public ridicule or hate, Sally Ride's story reminds us of a different time. Sally tells that story, using those closest to her to fill in the pieces that Ride intentionally left blank on her own life tale. As one interviewee puts it, how sad that a person admired so broadly felt she had to hide such an important part of herself from the public eye.
What is disclosed here provides interesting insights into Ride's personality as well as the rarified life experience of an astronaut. She is described as competitive, cocky, rough around the edges, and intensely private about her emotions—characteristics that, it's said, made her exceptional at work and difficult at home. She "lived on her own terms," even despite intense media scrutiny. Footage of press conferences singling her out among her colleagues for overtly sexist questions is downright embarrassing by today's standards. The film makes its point and is engaging and informative. What could potentially have been weeded out are gratuitous dramatizations of past events.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the ways in which Sally Ride was a courageous pioneer, and what Sally reveals about what she kept hidden from public view during her lifetime.
What surprised you the most about Ride's story and the historical periods depicted?
Where could you go for more information about NASA, its shuttle program, and current working astronauts?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 16, 2025
- Cast : Sally Ride
- Director : Cristina Costantini
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Lesbian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Disney+
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Activism , STEM , History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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