Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gory horror-comedy mixes social media with bloody deaths.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Sissy
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In SISSY, wellness influencer Cecilia (Aisha Dee) has a huge following online, but very few friends in real life. When she bumps into old school friend Emma (Hannah Barlow), she jumps at the chance to rekindle their relationship and go to her hen party in a fancy house in the woods. But when she discovers that her school bully is one of the guests, old wounds reopen and friendships are tested to their violent ends.
Is It Any Good?
With a playful tone and a likable central performance, this influencer horror is a fun watch that only gets more enjoyable as it descends into bloody chaos. Sissy revels in its over-the-top gore, and keeps viewers guessing with a satisfyingly unpredictable plot. At the center, Dee's chirpy, fresh-faced wellness guru spouts reassuring mantras and posts about "inner essence" and "core self," yet audiences gradually realize how little we know about who she actually is. As details from the past are drudged up and the bachelorette party starts to go awry, Cecilia swings from calm pillar of mental health to helpless victim, and then to wronged outsider with a thirst for vengeance. It's a wild ride but an entertaining one that'll appeal to teens with a sense of humor and a stomach for gore.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Sissy. How did the tone of the movie affect how you experienced the violence and gore? How did it compare to other horror films that approach violent acts with a similar playfulness or sense of celebration?
The film features diverse characters, in terms of ethnicity, sexuality, and disability. Why is it important to see representation on-screen?
Discuss the influencer aspect of the movie. What does it say about the way people portray themselves on social media, particularly within the wellness sphere? Do you think it's important to be careful about what you believe and who you follow online?
Talk about the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie? Is a certain level of language expected in a film like this?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 29, 2022
- Cast : Aisha Dee , Hannah Barlow , Emily De Margheriti
- Directors : Hannah Barlow , Kane Senes
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Shudder
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 7, 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
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