Parents' Guide to Who We Become

Movie 2023 NR 72 minutes
Who We Become movie poster: Scenes from the documentary that feature the Filipino cast, which include Jenah Maravilla, a community organizer, Lauren Yap, a college graduate, and Monica Silverio, a social activist, border the golden yellow poster and the film's title and credits appear in pink, white, and black letters

Common Sense Media Review

Sabrina McFarland By Sabrina McFarland , based on child development research. How do we rate?

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age 14+

Self-discovery stories from Filipino women; language, peril.

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Parents Need to Know

Why Age 14+?

Any Positive Content?

  • Still from Who We Become: Filipino social activist Monica Silverio (far right) and four members of her family on a road trip in Big Bend, Texas, wearing casual attire that includes shorts, T-shirts, and sunglasses
  • Still from Who We Become: With a microphone in the left hand, Filipino community organizer Jenah Maravilla addresses a diverse group of people at a stop Asian hate crime vigil and rally in Houston, Texas, wearing a black windbreaker jacket, dark-colored graphic top, and a black face mask
  • Still from Who We Become: Filipino community organizer Jenah Maravilla looks up at the stage during a gathering of a diverse group of people at a stop Asian hate crime vigil and rally in Houston, Texas, wearing a black windbreaker jacket, a dark-colored graphic top, and a black face mask

Parent and Kid Reviews

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What's the Story?

In WHO WE BECOME, a global pandemic emerges, but also brings about a greater level of self-awareness among three Filipino women who are a college graduate, community organizer, and social activist. The women also seek a stronger connection with their immediate and extended families, as well as other individuals inside and outside their immigrant community.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

Director PJ Raval offers a compelling visual compilation about the lives of three young Filipino women in Texas during the early months of the 2020 global pandemic. In Who We Become, Jenah Maravilla, a community organizer, Lauren Yap, a college student who graduates with honors, and Monica Silverio, a social activist, decide to self-document their experiences during this period.

The women, along with family and friends, address topics that range from their Filipino cultural identity to anti-Asian hate crimes and injustices against marginalized people. "I could definitely be doing more than I'm doing right now," says Yap, "and I know that others can as well." Who We Become may inspire teens and parents to talk about the subject of social inequality and also find ways in which to make society a better place for all.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the teamwork of the cast in Who We Become. How do they also demonstrate compassion, courage, and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?

  • How would you describe the communication among the families? What do you think are the possible benefits and drawbacks of their discussions?

  • Tagalog is a major language spoken in the Philippines. In the film, the word "kapwa" is defined as "how we are the same, equal, and connected to our fellow human beings." Do you agree or disagree with its meaning and why?

Movie Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

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Who We Become movie poster: Scenes from the documentary that feature the Filipino cast, which include Jenah Maravilla, a community organizer, Lauren Yap, a college graduate, and Monica Silverio, a social activist, border the golden yellow poster and the film's title and credits appear in pink, white, and black letters

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