Sam and Elvis
By Andrea Beach,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
So-so teen pregnancy tearjerker has some strong language.
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Sam and Elvis
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What's the Story?
In SAM AND ELVIS, things get off to a rocky start when 15-year-old Sam (Marcela Griebler) moves out of foster care and in with her Aunt Olina (Sally Daykin). Before they have much chance to settle in and get to know each other, they find out that Sam is pregnant. Now Sam's got the heavy responsibility of figuring out what she wants, and what the best thing to do is, all while learning how to trust others and let them help.
Is It Any Good?
This teen pregnancy story unfortunately lacks the depth and sparkle to add much that's meaningful to a well-worn plot device. The dialogue in Sam and Elvis is often corny or stilted, and although the actors are pretty good most of the time, they seem like they're playing types of people instead of offering genuine insight into a particular person the audience might be interested in. The ending has a long, drawn-out scene that's meant to get the tears flowing but lasts way too long. And then there's the elephant in the room that makes it feel pretty inauthentic when the only choice Sam has to think about is between keeping the baby or giving it to be adopted; no other options are mentioned.
Teens will relate to Sam and empathize with the difficulties she's faced. And they'll admire her as she finds the courage and wisdom to do what she feels is best. It can be a good opportunity to talk with teens about your family's values and experiences with pregnancy, adoption, and foster care.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Sam and Elvis portrays teen pregnancy and adoption. Is it realistic? Do you know any teens who've been pregnant? What choices did they consider? What happened?
Did you know what open adoption was before you saw this movie? What do you think about it? Do you think it will work out well for Sam and her family?
What do you know about the foster care system in your area? How can we lower the numbers of kids in foster care? How can you help kids in foster care, or if you are being fostered, what would you like people to know?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: February 1, 2019
- Cast: Marcela Griebler, Sally Daykin, Pete Penuel
- Director: Jeffrey Ault
- Studio: Monarch Films
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Friendship
- Run time: 87 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: December 7, 2022
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