Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Disappointing sci-fi spin-off has peril, violence, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Star Trek: Section 31
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In STAR TREK: SECTION 31, Emperor Philippa Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh), who has committed all manner of atrocities to gain and retain power, is enlisted to collaborate with a group of fighters to protect the United Federation of Planets from an errant bioweapon.
Is It Any Good?
This spin-off isn't helped by clunky dialogue and predictable action, but franchise fans might still be entertained, and the diverse cast has broad appeal. Some of the sets in Star Trek: Section 31 appear quite makeshift, a callback to the original series from the 1960s, intentionally or not. Spurts of humor and sarcasm from the characters also show the film isn't taking itself too seriously, but they deserved better than lines like "This dog bites, so watch your backs!"
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about which characters and storylines from Star Trek: Section 31 feel familiar, and which are new. This entry was long anticipated; does it fulfill your expectations, if you had any?
How is the cast here unique compared to that of other sci-fi and action films?
In what ways is Empress Philippa Georgiou forced to confront her past in this film? Does she make amends? How so, or how not?
Why do you think Star Trek remains such a beloved series?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : January 24, 2025
- Cast : Michelle Yeoh , Omari Hardwick , Sam Richardson
- Director : Olatunde Osunsanmi
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount+
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : STEM
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence/bloody images, suggestive material and some language
- Last updated : September 18, 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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