Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violent, creative sci-fi drama has strong female lead.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
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Where to Watch
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Vesper
What's the Story?
Following the collapse of the Earth's ecosystem, there's a lack of food and sympathy in the rural lands outside the wealthy Citadel. VESPER (Raffiella Chapman), a 13-year-old who must care for herself and her disabled father, Darius (Richard Brake), uses her curiosity and pursuit of botanical science and engineering to help the two survive. When Vesper rescues privileged Camellia (Rosy McEwen) from an aerial crash, she agrees to hide the other woman and help her in exchange for entry into the Citadel. But if she's caught, she faces the wrath of her cruel and controlling Uncle Jonas (Eddie Marsan).
Is It Any Good?
Incredibly imaginative and empowering, this sci-fi tale with a memorable 13-year-old main character shows that intelligence and compassion are heroic qualities. An alternate title for Vesper could be Fantastic Plants and Where to Find Them, as the future of Earth -- as projected by writing-directing team Kristina Buozyte and Bruno Samper -- is both a wonder and a nightmare due to genetic "biohacking." Beyond plants, genetic engineering has evolved to create artificial humans known as "jugs," who are built to be enslaved. While government bioengineers haven't quite perfected the jug formula, the idea of what synthetic people might mean to humanity is substantial fodder for conversation.
The movie's plot is sophisticated and cerebral, and the script assumes that viewers are, too -- it doesn't dwell in explanations. The intense violence isn't gratuitous, but it is realistically blunt for the circumstances. For teens mature enough to embrace the storytelling, Vesper is a mind-blowing marvel, and the character herself is a magnificent role model.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Vesper. How did it make you feel? Was it exciting? Shocking? What did the movie show or not show to achieve this effect? Why is that important?
What is a coming-of-age story? How do Vesper and Camellia both find their own identity through emancipation?
How do the characters demonstrate courage, curiosity, and perseverance? Why are these important life skills? Do you consider Vesper a role model? Why, or why not?
When Vesper rescues Camellia, is it because she's showing compassion or because she thinks there's an advantage to be gained? How does saving Camellia alter her life -- and is the outcome positive or negative?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 30, 2022
- On DVD or streaming : September 30, 2022
- Cast : Raffiella Chapman , Rosy McEwen , Eddie Marsan
- Directors : Kristina Buozyte , Bruno Samper
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : IFC Films
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : STEM
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity , Perseverance
- Run time : 114 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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