Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Frustrating mother-son dramedy has strong language, vaping.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
When You Finish Saving the World
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
- On DVD or streaming : March 28, 2024
- Cast : Finn Wolfhard , Julianne Moore , Alisha Boe
- Director : Jesse Eisenberg
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : A24
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : School ( High School )
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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