When You Finish Saving the World
Parents say
Based on 1 review
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When You Finish Saving the World
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that When You Finish Saving the World is a dramedy about the lack of connection between a woman named Evelyn (Julianne Moore) and her teen son, Ziggy (Finn Wolfhard). Jesse Eisenberg writes and directs, adapting the script from his own Audible radio drama. The family, including dad Roger (Jay O. Sanders), lives around each other rather than with each other; they all seem rather disinterested in the others' passions and pursuits. Expect very strong language throughout, especially "s--t" and "f--k," with Ziggy rudely talking back to his parents. Ziggy's friend is constantly asking him if he "wants a hit" (of pot), although Ziggy consistently refuses. Adults drink wine, but when a parent offers some to Ziggy, he again turns it down. Through Evelyn's work running a shelter for victims of domestic violence, a couple of upsetting stories are told, but nothing violent occurs on camera. Some parents may recognize some of their own actions on-screen, but for most viewers, the film is likely to be a bit of a downer.
What's the Story?
In WHEN YOU FINISH SAVING THE WORLD, domestic violence shelter director Evelyn (Julianne Moore) and her son, social media musician/influencer Ziggy (Finn Wolfhard), don't understand each other. Unable to build the relationship they want with each other, they seek connections with others to fill the void.
Is It Any Good?
This dramedy is more for parents than for teens; the former may appreciate it as a bit of a wake-up call, but it's still frustrating to watch. One of the truest moments in The Breakfast Club is when Ally Sheedy's Allison explains her inner turmoil with the line, "My home life is unsatisfying." When You Finish Saving the World feels like it could very well have been crafted around that piece of dialogue. Evelyn and Ziggy find their relationship disappointing. While viewers aren't privy to what's happened in the past, their conversations suggest that their communications breakdown is built on years and years of just not getting each other. When we meet them, they're barely trying anymore, and it becomes clear that Ziggy has failed to live up to Evelyn's expectations. As viewers, we want her to embrace him for the person he is. Instead, she starts mothering another teen living at her shelter. And Ziggy, who's a bit of a self-absorbed dip but also isn't unlike other kids his age, begins crushing on a girl whose worldview and political activism is similar to his mother's. It's ultimately a pretty depressing hour and a half. While viewers are left with a gasp of hope, it's not enough to compensate for all of the air that was sucked out of the room.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Ziggy is a social media influencer but unable to influence anyone in his actual life. Do you think social media contributes to a lack of real-life connection? What are the negative and positive impacts of social media?
What are Evelyn and Ziggy's personality differences and similarities? Teens: Which of your parents'/guardians' interests or skills are you interested in pursuing? Is there an activity you'd like to do together?
How are drugs and alcohol are depicted in When You Finish Saving the World? Is substance use glamorized? Why do you think it's included at all?
How is financial diversity depicted? Do you think Evelyn was right or wrong to push Kyle to go to college? Why is representation important when it comes to economic status?
Evelyn expresses her disappointment in Ziggy by telling him, "Your life was going to be happier because you were part of the struggle." Do you think fighting for a cause brings fulfillment? Do you think growing up financially comfortable can create unhappiness -- and, if so, why?
Movie Details
- In theaters: January 20, 2023
- Cast: Finn Wolfhard, Julianne Moore, Alisha Boe
- Director: Jesse Eisenberg
- Studio: A24
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: High School
- Run time: 88 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language
- Last updated: January 29, 2023
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