Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones, based on child development research. How do we rate?
age 15+
Emotionally intense dramedy has language, drinking, smoking.
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Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Young Wife is a quirky dramedy about a young woman (Kiersey Clemons) who's about to get married but must face her growing panic about her future and the expectations of her friends and family members. There's strong language ("s--t," "f--k," and more, plus exclamatory use of "God"), and adults smoke and drink. But there's also a theme about finding the courage to live the life you want to live, and the film offers authentic representations and refreshing storytelling.
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Language
a lot
Language includes "s--t," "ass," "f---ing," "bitch," "bulls--t," "f--k-up," "goddamn," "f--k you." Exclamatory use of "God."
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Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
some
Characters drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes. Cookie huffs on an oxygen tank that contains what seems to be a hallucinogenic flower.
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Diverse Representations
a lot
Writer-director Tayarisha Poe is a Black woman, and the racially diverse cast is led by Black actors Kiersey Clemons and Leon Bridges. But what makes this a standout on the representation front is that the characters' humanity, not their race, is at the center of the quirky, artistic, experimental story.
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Positive Messages
a little
Not really a message movie, but there's a focus on having the courage to live your life for yourself and finding a balance between your goals and your friends' and family members' expectations.
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Positive Role Models
a little
Celestina is overwhelmed and mildly selfish throughout the film, but she does figure out a way forward toward living her life on her own terms.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Young Wife
Parent and Kid Reviews
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- Parents say (1)
- Kids say
age 16+
Based on 1 parent review
Katherine R. Parent of 10, 14, 18+, 18+, 18+ and 5-year-old
June 8, 2024
age 16+
See all 1 parent review
What's the Story?
THE YOUNG WIFE follows Celestina (Kiersey Clemons), who's about to get married to River (Leon Bridges) in a "non-wedding" ceremony. But before the event, Celestina starts getting panicked by the opinions and expectations of her friends (A. Jae Michele, Aida Osman, Kelly Marie Tran, Jon Rudinitsky, Michael Wayne Thomas, Connor Paolo), her mother (Sheryl Lee Ralph), River's grandmother (Judith Light), and the weight of societal pressures on her as a young woman and partner.
Is It Any Good?
This dramedy is a kaleidoscope of colors, patterns, glitter, shapes, and noise, a visual and audible representation of Celestina's internal panic and confusion about what to do with her life and her relationship. If you're a fan of writer-director Tayarisha Poe's first film, Selah and the Spades, you'll probably know what to expect from her experimental directing style. But if you're new to it, The Young Wife might be jarring at first, especially given the focus on Celestina's frantic internal struggle. Stick with it, and you'll find that The Young Wife is a fun, intriguing look a young woman facing many of the struggles that millennial young women face, such as how to meet personal goals; how to be a good daughter, friend, and wife; and how to succeed in the corporate world while achieving self-fulfillment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Celestina's emotional state in The Young Wife. Why is she upset? How do you think you'd feel in her position?
How does Celestina handle her friends' and family members' questions about her future? Have you ever felt limited or burdened by others' expectations? How did you handle it?
How is courage a theme of this film? Why is that an important character strength?
Why is The Young Wife notable in terms of its representation? Is it rare to see a movie about Black characters that doesn't center on race?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 31, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : May 31, 2024
- Cast : Kiersey Clemons, Leon Bridges, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Judith Light
- Director : Tayarisha Poe
- Inclusion Information : Black directors, Female actors, Queer actors, Black actors
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating : R
- MPAA explanation : language and some drug use
- Last updated : June 7, 2024
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
The Young Wife
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