Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intriguing Titanic drama aims to inspire; mild content.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Unsinkable
What's the Story?
UNSINKABLE follows Sen. William Alden Smith (Cotter Smith) and his secretary, Maggie Malloy (Jayne Wisener), as they travel to New York to find out the truth about the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. As Sen. Smith holds an inquiry, journalist Alaine Ricard (Fiona Dourif) pounds the pavement to discover the secrets behind the tragedy.
Is It Any Good?
This straightforward drama is likely to entertain history buffs, especially those who've been entranced by the lore around the Titanic. Unsinkable dramatizes the seldom-discussed days after the ship sank, when the U.S. government held an inquest regarding the tragedy to find out who and what were to blame. The film shows how several people who could have prevented the tragedy—or at the very least, saved more people from dying—failed in their duties. The film gives particular voice to women and immigrants, both of whom were frequently disregarded and mistreated at this point in U.S. history. While Unsinkable's take on the government might be a bit too glowing, given that historical context, it still tries to show an inspiring side of the story. Sen. Smith is portrayed as doing his best to be worthy of his position and give the families of those affected by the tragedy proper closure, regardless of their stations in life. And Maggie and Alaine are examples of independent women—though, again, that might be a bit of a rose-colored-glasses depiction. Overall, though, Unsinkable is an entertaining and interesting look at a part of the Titanic's story that has often been overlooked.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the characters search for the truth in Unsinkable. What methods do they use? Why does getting to the truth matter?
What is the film saying about how the United States treats immigrants? Is that perspective as relevant today as it was in the early 1900s? How do social and class inequity affect the situation surrounding the Titanic?
How are women portrayed in the film? What about non-White and non-American characters? Why are diverse representations important?
How do characters demonstrate compassion, empathy, courage, and perseverance? Why are those important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 12, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : May 31, 2024
- Cast : Karen Allen , Cotter Smith , Fiona Dourif , Jayne Wisener
- Director : Cody Hartman
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Movies Plus
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Perseverance
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : peril, some violence, thematic elements, smoking, and a suggestive reference
- Last updated : July 10, 2025
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