Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Emotionally intense dramedy has language, drinking, smoking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Young Wife
What's the Story?
THE YOUNG WIFE follows Celestina (Kiersey Clemons), who's about to get married to River (Leon Bridges) in a "non-wedding" ceremony. But before the event, Celestina starts getting panicked by the opinions and expectations of her friends (A. Jae Michele, Aida Osman, Kelly Marie Tran, Jon Rudinitsky, Michael Wayne Thomas, Connor Paolo), her mother (Sheryl Lee Ralph), River's grandmother (Judith Light), and the weight of societal pressures on her as a young woman and partner.
Is It Any Good?
This dramedy is a kaleidoscope of colors, patterns, glitter, shapes, and noise, a visual and audible representation of Celestina's internal panic and confusion about what to do with her life and her relationship. If you're a fan of writer-director Tayarisha Poe's first film, Selah and the Spades, you'll probably know what to expect from her experimental directing style. But if you're new to it, The Young Wife might be jarring at first, especially given the focus on Celestina's frantic internal struggle. Stick with it, and you'll find that The Young Wife is a fun, intriguing look a young woman facing many of the struggles that millennial young women face, such as how to meet personal goals; how to be a good daughter, friend, and wife; and how to succeed in the corporate world while achieving self-fulfillment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Celestina's emotional state in The Young Wife. Why is she upset? How do you think you'd feel in her position?
How does Celestina handle her friends' and family members' questions about her future? Have you ever felt limited or burdened by others' expectations? How did you handle it?
How is courage a theme of this film? Why is that an important character strength?
Why is The Young Wife notable in terms of its representation? Is it rare to see a movie about Black characters that doesn't center on race?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 31, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : May 31, 2024
- Cast : Kiersey Clemons , Leon Bridges , Sheryl Lee Ralph , Judith Light
- Director : Tayarisha Poe
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Queer Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and some drug use
- Last updated : June 10, 2024
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