Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Excellent acting in poignant, mature coming-of-age story.
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The Edge of Seventeen
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 16 parent reviews
Based on 45 kid reviews
Kids say the movie offers a genuine and relatable portrayal of teenage life, showcasing complex issues like friendship, self-image, and the struggles of adolescence, making it particularly appealing for students in middle and high school. Although it includes mature themes, such as strong language and some sexual references, most teens feel that these elements reflect their reality and do not overwhelm the overall positive message of resilience and understanding.
- relatable characters
- bold themes
- strong language
- mature content
- authentic experience
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN is a coming-of-age dramedy about awkward 17-year-old Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld). Still grieving her father's death four years after it happened, Nadine discovers that her ridiculously popular older brother, Darian (Blake Jenner), is hooking up with her best (and only) friend, Krista (Hailey Lu Richardson). This makes her feels utterly alone -- and leads to her making unwise decisions like accidentally sending a sexually explicit message to her longtime crush, Nick (Alexander Calvert). Fed up with life's unfairness, Nadine turns to her tough-talking but kind teacher, Mr. Bruner (Woody Harrelson), while also getting closer to sweetly smitten classmate Erwin (Hayden Szeto).
Is It Any Good?
Steinfeld's wonderfully nuanced, authentic portrayal of the delightfully opinionated, angst-ridden, and awkward Nadine turns this sometimes-edgy high school comedy into a touching gem. Steinfeld, who's 19 in real life, is likely to stop playing high schoolers soon, so there's something magically poignant about her expressive performance as a deep-thinking, grieving 17-year-old who only has one real friend. All of the performances are outstanding, actually, starting with Steinfeld and continuing through Nadine's core group of supporting characters, including Harrelson as her long-suffering teacher who secretly thinks she's great, Kyra Sedgwick as her clueless mom who openly favors her brother, Richardson and Jenner as her suddenly-in-love brother and bestie, and Szeto as her adorable suitor. There isn't a weak link in the entire ensemble.
Through Nadine, writer-director Kelly Fremon Craig captures the pathos of being a lonely hearted teen who's unsure of her value, her place in the world, and her own beauty. When Nadine ignores Erwin's interest because she's pining for bad-boy pet store clerk Nick, older audiences will want to yell "Noooo, look at the wonderful guy right next to you!" But in the midst of her adolescent angst, Nadine can't quite see that yet. Several scenes are cringe-worthy and uncomfortable, but who among us didn't feel that as a teen? There's a quiet power to Nadine's emotional fragility and what she learns about herself and the people who love and support her. Parents not easily embarrassed by seeing mature content alongside their teens should watch and discuss the issues explored in this heartfelt adolescent movie.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the risky teen behavior depicted in The Edge of Seventeen. Are there realistic consequences? Why does that matter?
Do you think the movie glamorizes drinking? What about sex? How much sexual content in movies is appropriate for kids?
How does Mr. Bruner display empathy? How does Nadine realize she needs to communicate better with the people around her?
Are there any healthy romantic relationships in the movie? Do you consider any of them role models for dating teens?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 18, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : February 14, 2017
- Cast : Hailee Steinfeld , Woody Harrelson , Blake Jenner
- Director : Kelly Fremon Craig
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Multiracial Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : STX Entertainment
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Communication
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual content, language and some drinking - all involving teens
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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