Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Charming romantic drama has strong language, sex references.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Last Letter from Your Lover
What's the Story?
THE LAST LETTER FROM YOUR LOVER focuses on Ellie (Felicity Jones), a journalist who uncovers some romantic, mysterious letters between two star-crossed lovers in the 1960s. Alongside Rory, (Nabhaan Rizwan), an archivist, they discover the story of Jennifer Stirling (Shailene Woodley) and Anthony O'Hare (Callum Turner), who had engaged in an illicit affair. But were they ever able to truly be as one?
Is It Any Good?
Adapted from Jojo Moyes book -- she also co-wrote the script -- this is one of the most profoundly romantic movies of recent years. Interweaving narratives between the 1960s and the present day, The Last Letter from Your Lover takes a striking and provocative look into the perennial question of, "what if?" Romance is very easily misjudged on screen, but this remains unapologetically romantic, in a way that is sincere and endearing. It has cynicism, in the form of Jones' Ellie, which is needed. But it also celebrates love, and the idea of two people simply meant to be with one another.
The performances elevate the material. Jones shines, as ever, alongside the blissfully earnest Rizwan. While both Woodley and Turner -- as the star-crossed lovers in question -- share a remarkable on-screen chemistry, which is essential to a film of this nature working. Be warned, this is a movie that is likely to make you cry. But in between your tears, you'll also be treated to a fantastic soundtrack.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Last Letter from Your Lover portrayed sex. Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Discuss some of the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
What were the key differences in the 1960s compared to modern day as depicted in the movie? Discuss the role of women. Were you surprised at how they were treated in the '60s? Do you feel progress has been made, or is there still a long way to go?
Talk about how the movie presents drinking and smoking. Did you think any of the characters drank too much? Were there consequences for those that did? How have attitudes toward smoking changed today compared to the 1960s? Why is that?
Discuss the art of writing letters. Have you ever written a letter to anyone? Perhaps you've received one? If you could write a letter to anyone, who would it be and why?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : July 23, 2021
- Cast : Felicity Jones , Shailene Woodley , Callum Turner
- Director : Augustine Frizzell
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Book Characters , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Curiosity , Perseverance
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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