Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Midlife buddy comedy with drinking, language, and laughs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Wine Country
What's the Story?
It's Rebecca's (Rachel Dratch) 50th birthday weekend in WINE COUNTRY. Self-appointed "tour director" Abby (Amy Poehler) has orchestrated the trip from top to bottom, minute by minute. Always a little uptight, Abby can't help but be disappointed when the others aren't as gung-ho as she'd like them to be. For instance, Catherine (Ana Gasteyer), a successful restaurateur, can't tear herself away from her cell phone; Naomi (Maya Rudolph), a committed mom, is silently distracted by impending medical news; Val (Paula Pell) is dealing with loneliness and a broken heart; and Jenny (Emily Spivey, also one of the film's writers) isn't sure she even wants to be there. Still, expectations are high; wine is flowing. The appearance of the rental's owner (Tina Fey) and a "chef" who comes with the house (Jason Schwartzman) bring even more eccentricity to the already heavily populated table. Over the long weekend, mini-conflicts arise, personal struggles are slowly revealed, and the women's loving connectedness is tested to the extreme.
Is It Any Good?
It's doubtful that any audience could have as much fun as these six best friends appear to be having, even as middle age descends upon them almost without warning. Light on plot but bountiful in character and laughs, Wine Country and the fabulous house at the center of the action are ideal settings for women coming to terms with the half-century marker.
There are wonderful comic sequences. Maya Rudolph is in peak form, and it's great to see Rachel Dratch with a substantial role. In fact, everyone delivers, even those who play familiar roles (the uptight organizer, the workaholic businesswoman, the touchy-feely psychotherapist). Amy Poehler provides a seemingly loosey-goosey, improvisational atmosphere for these terrific actresses to work their magic, and her years in the business have fine-tuned her comic timing and ability to capture a character's heart. As raunchy comedies go, it's worth the time for older teens and adults.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the profusion of profanity, potty language, and swearing in Wine Country. What does the characters' unreserved frankness tell you about them? Do you think it operates as a shortcut to getting to know these women and introduce their longtime connections? Have audiences come to expect this kind of language in "buddy" movies? How do you feel about that?
In some movies, locations and/or settings are considered "characters." How were both Napa Valley and the rental house characters in this film? How did the specific locales dictate behavior and plot?
Movies are either plot-driven, action-driven, or character-driven. Which of these best describes Wine Country? Explain.
What did the film say about friendship? Why do you think some female friendships are so long-lasting and intense? What character strengths (e.g., loyalty, empathy) make good friends?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : May 10, 2019
- Cast : Amy Poehler , Maya Rudolph , Rachel Dratch
- Director : Amy Poehler
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 103 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate