Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Father-daughter road trip drama has mature themes, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Treasure
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In TREASURE, American journalist Ruth (Lena Dunham) travels to Poland with her father Edek (Stephen Fry) in 1991, shortly after the lifting of the Iron Curtain. Keen to explore her heritage and better understand her family's past, Ruth plans a busy itinerary of historical landmarks and her father's childhood haunts. But Edek, a Holocaust survivor, starts to sabotage her plans and divert her attention, believing some things are better left in the past.
Is It Any Good?
This understated but touching drama is based on an award-winning novel, which was inspired by the true story of a Holocaust survivor and his daughter returning to Poland to visit places from his past. With Dunham and Fry in the lead roles, Treasure is adapted (from Lily Brett's book Too Many Men) for the screen as a sweet, occasionally funny, father-daughter road trip that touches on issues that are important but deserve a deeper exploration. The shadow of the Holocaust hangs over most scenes, and though the material is handled with sensitivity for the most part, it feels a little skirted over in others. Fry's jovial but avoidant father is the perfect match for Dunham's gloomy, put upon daughter, and their relationship feels pretty realistic at the heart, even if neither character is particularly likable. Similarly to the characters themselves, the movie never quite settles into its place or tone. But the journey still has poignant moments and opens up a wider conversation to explore.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the subject of the Holocaust was treated in Treasure. What part did Edek's experience play in the narrative as a whole? Do you think the subject was sensitively handled? How did it compare to other films that feature Holocaust survivors as characters?
The movie is based on a book that's, in turn, based on a real-life story of a father and daughter who went on a similar road trip. Does knowing it's based on a true story affect the impact of the film and how you experienced it?
Ruth showed curiosity in wanting to find out about her father Edek's past, and both she and Edek showed empathy toward each other as they gradually opened up. Why are these important character strengths? Can you think of times when you've shown curiosity or empathy in your own life?
Discuss the strong language used. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it add to the story?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 14, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : July 30, 2024
- Cast : Lena Dunham , Stephen Fry , Zbigniew Zamachowski
- Director : Julia von Heinz
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Bleecker Street
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters , History
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Empathy
- Run time : 112 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some language
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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