Poster for True Spirit

True Spirit (2023) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

When the tenacious young sailor Jessica Watson sets out to be the youngest person to sail solo, nonstop and unassisted around the world, many expect her to fail. With the support of her sailing coach and mentor Ben Bryant and her parents, Jessica is determined to accomplish what was thought to be impossible, navigating some of the world’s most challenging stretches of ocean over the course of 210 days.

Rated PG • 2023 • 1h 49m

7.0
200+
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Age
10+

Based on a true story, "True Spirit" is an inspirational adventure that earns its PG rating primarily for sequences of intense peril and some mature thematic material. The film follows 16-year-old Jessica Watson's solo sailing trip around the world, which includes several harrowing storm scenes where her boat is battered, she is thrown around, and the vessel capsizes, leading to fears she has drowned. The story also frankly depicts… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Teagan Croft
Teagan Croft
Cliff Curtis
Cliff Curtis
Alyla Browne
Alyla Browne
Josh Lawson
Josh Lawson
Anna Paquin
Anna Paquin
Bridget Webb
Bridget Webb
Stacy Clausen
Stacy Clausen
Todd Lasance
Todd Lasance
Josephine Flynn
Josephine Flynn
Alice Tate
Alice Tate
Ling Cooper Tang
Ling Cooper Tang
Shanyn Asmar
Shanyn Asmar
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Is True Spirit appropriate for kids?

Based on a true story, "True Spirit" is an inspirational adventure that earns its PG rating primarily for sequences of intense peril and some mature thematic material. The film follows 16-year-old Jessica Watson's solo sailing trip around the world, which includes several… Read more — free account

Content severity in True Spirit

Sex Mild 1/10
Violence Strong 6/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in True Spirit, moment by moment

  1. 0:12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
  2. 0:22 💬 Language 2/10
  3. 0:35 ⚔ Violence & Gore 2/10
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Sex and nudity in True Spirit

Almost entirely absent. In a couple of brief, non-sexual scenes, the main character is seen in a sports bra while resting or changing in her cabin.

Violence and gore in True Spirit

Contains moderate but sustained scenes of peril. During a test run, Jessica's boat is hit by a large cargo ship. There are two major storm sequences where she is tossed around the cabin, is briefly knocked unconscious, and her boat is shown being overwhelmed by massive waves. The climactic storm causes her boat to capsize and be submerged. Injuries are minor and not graphic, consisting of small cuts and bruises on her face.

Language in True Spirit

Language is very mild. There are a few uses of words like "damn," "hell," and "ass," often during moments of stress or argument.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in True Spirit

The film contains no depictions of alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drug use. As a family-friendly biographical drama focused on athletic endurance and solitude, the narrative remains entirely free of substance-related content. Characters are shown focusing on health, safety, and survival throughout the journey.

Mature themes in True Spirit

Thematic elements are moderate. The film's central focus is on peril and survival, with moments of intense fear for the main character's life. It also deals with the emotional toll of isolation, including a significant sequence depicting Jessica's loneliness and depression. There are also tense interpersonal conflicts, such as a heated argument where a past death is mentioned, and the palpable fear and anxiety of her family.

Scary moments in True Spirit

No standout scary moments have been catalogued for True Spirit yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is True Spirit appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests True Spirit is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. Based on a true story, "True Spirit" is an inspirational adventure that earns its PG rating primarily for sequences of intense peril and some mature thematic material. The film follows 16-year-old Jessica Watson's solo…

What age rating does True Spirit have?

True Spirit is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.

What is True Spirit about?

Based on a true story, "True Spirit" is an inspirational adventure that earns its PG rating primarily for sequences of intense peril and some mature thematic material. The film follows 16-year-old Jessica Watson's solo sailing trip around the world, which includes several harrowing storm scenes where her boat is…

Is there sex or nudity in True Spirit?

Almost entirely absent. In a couple of brief, non-sexual scenes, the main character is seen in a sports bra while resting or changing in her cabin.

How violent is True Spirit?

Contains moderate but sustained scenes of peril. During a test run, Jessica's boat is hit by a large cargo ship. There are two major storm sequences where she is tossed around the cabin, is briefly knocked unconscious, and her boat is shown being overwhelmed…

Is the language in True Spirit appropriate for kids?

Language is very mild. There are a few uses of words like "damn," "hell," and "ass," often during moments of stress or argument.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in True Spirit?

The film contains no depictions of alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drug use. As a family-friendly biographical drama focused on athletic endurance and solitude, the narrative remains entirely free of substance-related content. Characters are shown focusing on…

What mature themes appear in True Spirit?

Thematic elements are moderate. The film's central focus is on peril and survival, with moments of intense fear for the main character's life. It also deals with the emotional toll of isolation, including a significant sequence depicting Jessica's loneliness…

How long is True Spirit?

True Spirit runs 109 minutes, directed by Sarah Spillane, released in 2023.

Where can I read the full True Spirit parent guide?

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