You Are My Home
You Are My Home
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 suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that You Are My Home is a 2020 Christmas-themed family story that stretches its emotional net to include the plight of children born in the U.S. to illegal immigrants. When U.S. immigration agents come to arrest Alex's mother, who came illegally from Mexico, kids may have questions that will lead to discussions about immigration policies and humane treatment of those in need. Adults kiss and drink alcohol. Spoiler alert: A death of a loved one is announced, and deaths from the past are remembered. But, overall, the generosity of strangers, even strangers with their own emotional baggage, is the movie's honorable theme.
Community Reviews
Awesome-says DJ Cheree
Report this review
It is a backward way to push a documentary style message
Report this review
What's the Story?
ICE agents arrest and deport a Mexican woman living in the U.S. illegally in YOU ARE MY HOME. Her 11-year-old America-born daughter Alexandra (Eva Ariel Binder) ends up on the street until a kind stranger, Chloe (Angel Parker), brings her to Sloane (Alyssa Milano), a friend who helps immigrants and their kids. With Christmas approaching, group homes are too crowded to take Alex, so Sloane persuades a reluctant Chloe to help care for Alex temporarily. Chloe's traumatized by the recent loss of her husband and young son to a car accident and has been hardened by her tragedy, even drinking a bit too much wine as a result. Alex's optimistic presence brings Chloe back to life, so much so that she takes Alex in permanently and allows the charming and kind Carlos (Cristian de la Fuente) to share her life as well.
Is It Any Good?
On the plus side, You Are My Home has its heart in the right place, offering a humane, generous, and empathetic message reminding us that helping people in need is the right thing to do. But don't expect greatness. This feels as simplistic as a Hallmark TV production, with emotions reliably reduced to unrealistic "goods" and "bads." The script, direction, and performances are also less than stellar. That said, the flaws don't get in the way of some tear-jerking moments, and everything is done just well enough to entertain anyone not looking for too much substance. It's ultimately a holiday movie that will inspire and encourage discussion.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how it would feel to have a mother snatched away from an 11-year-old. Can you think of solutions to the problem of illegal immigration to the U.S.?
Why do you think Chloe didn't want to take in a child in need at first? Could you understand her hesitance?
What does the movie say about how to define family? What does "family" mean to you?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: December 4, 2020
- Cast: Eva Ariel Binder, Angel Parker, Cristian de la Fuente, Alyssa Milano, Joel Steingold
- Director: Amanda Raymond
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Character Strengths: Empathy
- Run time: 92 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 28, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
It's a Wonderful Life
This classic delivers warmth all year long.
-
A Christmas Story
Wonderful antidote to cutesy holiday tales; some swearing.
-
Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
Not better than the original, but still smiley holiday fare.
For kids who love the holidays
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