All Together Now Parent Guide

Amber Appleton (Auli’i Cravalho) is living her life with cheerful enthusiasm. The teenager runs the school’s annual variety show, teaches English to elderly women, volunteers at a seniors’ home, works at a donut shop, and makes breakfast for an autistic friend every morning. She also has a secret: Amber and her mother, Becky (Justina Machado) are homeless and spend their nights in the school bus Becky drives. Even homelessness isn’t enough to quench Amber’s irrepressible optimism. Invited to audition for a spot in Carnegie Mellon University’s drama program, Amber redoubles her efforts to save enough money for the airfare to the audition and the deposit on an apartment. But when her mother gets fired for sleeping in the bus, one tragedy follows another and it seems that Amber might have lost her ability to bounce back…

The best part of All Together Now is Amber, played by Auli’i Cravalho with an infectious optimism and energy. Amber’s energy, enthusiasm, resilience, and fierce independence make her a highly appealing protagonist. Director Brett Haley is careful not to make everything too rosy: Amber lives with fear and uncertainty due to her lack of a home and she has fallen into a caretaker role for her mother, trying to keep her sober and managing her emotional state. This dark background makes her sunny approach to life all the more remarkable. Haley has also given Amber her own weaknesses, particularly the downside to her independence. As her friend, Ty (Rhenzy Feliz) points out when Amber is in desperate straits, “What’s so bad about needing help? Like if you don’t do it all alone you’re weak?”

Unlike most fluffy teen films, All Together Now is chock full of issues that parents can discuss with their kids. It’s a great jumping off point for conversations about homelessness – causes, potential solutions (governmental and private), and how to help. The movie also leads into discussions about emotional resilience and nurturing an optimistic outlook on life, even when circumstances are difficult. Domestic violence and addiction also come up in the film and can trigger communication about recognizing problems and receiving help. Families can also talk about balancing independence with accepting help when necessary. Best of all, this substantive content comes with very little negative content - five very minor swear words are pretty much it. In the world of teen movies, which are usually full of profanity, alcohol and drug use, and sexual activity or innuendo, this film is a breath of fresh air.

The film isn’t perfect, despite its thoughtful messages and charming, diverse cast. (When was the last time you saw a teen with autism and one in a wheelchair both mainstreamed into the same movie?) The plot is predictable and a touch manipulative and the resolution can feel a bit too simple. For a movie centered on a girl who loves to sing, there’s precious little music. But parents looking for clean, thoughtful options for family movie night can be reassured that they can gather their teens together in front of this film without regret.