Everything, Everything Parent Guide

Maddy Whittier (Amandla Stenberg) is a young woman with SCID (severe combined immunodeficiency), a medical condition that renders her body unable to fight off any infections. Although the illness means she must live in isolation in order to avoid contact with germs or viruses, she still enjoys stimulation through books and the internet. Her protective single mother (Anika Noni Rose), who is also a physician, provides medical care plus a state-of-the-art home to keep her daughter’s environment sterilized. And Maddy has the loving company of full-time nurse Carla (Ana de la Reguera). Really, the eighteen-year-old doesn’t want for anything, anything.

However, her resignation toward having no contact with the outside world is tested when she notices the family moving in next door has a son about her age. Olly (Nick Robinson) may dress in bleak black and wear his shaggy hair with a rebellious attitude, but he has a bright smile when he sees her peering from the window. Within days the two are making eye contact as often as possible, and then begin texting back and forth. As the interaction and attraction grows, Maddy desires more. Eventually, she is even willing to risk everything, everything.

What follows is a sentimental sequence of bashful meetings facilitated by Carla, puppy-love style frolicking, and secret romantic gestures that catch the attention of Mom. When the cautious parent threatens to put an end to any more flirting with the forbidden fruit, Maddy and Olly run away together.

Based on a book by Nicola Yoon, this story has all the cute and kitsch ‘tween girls swoon over – and that is exactly the biggest problem with the movie. This target audience will likely be just as naïve as the main characters presented here, and fail to recognize the negative consequences associated with Maddy and Olly’s behaviors. And it doesn’t help that the film never shows the dangers of lying, using a credit card irresponsibly and engaging in an “unprotected” sexual relationship (implied after a steamy scene of passionate kissing). In fact, the plot suggests it’s the adults who are out of touch with reality.

Along with being predictable and tedious, other content of concern is a few swear words and scatological slang, reference to a father with a drinking problem, the depiction of a squabble that ends with punches being thrown, and domestic abuse.

While it is natural for young adults to want to exert their independence, the 18-year-old couple depicted here are reckless, even if the script calls their actions brave. After reflecting on the film’s messages and trying to come up with something positive to say, I really could think of nothing, nothing.

About author

Donna Gustafson

Donna Gustafson has been involved with her husband Rod's work since the beginning. Handling many of the behind-the-scenes tasks, she also creates preview pages for up-coming movies, acts as managing editor and occasionally writes reviews.