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Scrapper
By Stefan Pape,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Charming British dramedy about a child processing grief.
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Scrapper
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What's the Story?
SCRAPPER tells the story of 12-year-old Georgie (Lola Campbell), who has lived alone in her London flat since the untimely passing of her mother. After she manages to con social services into thinking she lives with a guardian, the lie soon becomes a reality when her estranged father, Jason (Harris Dickinson), shows up out of the blue, hoping to take care of her. His presence confuses the young girl, no less because she is forced to confront the harsh reality of her situation, which she had otherwise believed she could resolve with magic.
Is It Any Good?
This British comedy-drama is a striking cinematic debut for writer-director Charlotte Regan, who perfectly blends the two genres. On the one hand, Scrapper is a kitchen-sink drama, with shades of Ken Loach and Mike Leigh. But then on the other, it's humorous and peppered with creative moments that cut through the challenging themes. It's bold and takes risks, it's funny and sweet, and yet it's real and at times sad. It's a multitude of all these things at once. All of this is tied together thanks to the brilliant display from newcomer Campbell. The young actor perfectly encapsulates both the charming, cheeky side to her character Georgie and the more profound aspects too. She's a real star in the making. The film shines in its ability to tackle and explore the notion of grief through the blissful eyes of a child. It attempts to make sense of something that is otherwise almost impossible to understand, all with a large dose of humor.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Scrapper looks at childhood grief and trauma. In what ways did Georgie try to deal with her mother's death? How to talk to kids about difficult subjects.
The character of Georgie is likable -- she is charming and resourceful. But she did use her ingenuity to get up to mischief. Did you remain on her side throughout? If so, why do you think that was?
The film is set in an underserved area of London, while Georgie doesn't come from a "conventional" family setup. Why is it important to see a broad representation of all different types of life on-screen?
The film sits within a variety of genres, blending comedy with heavy themes. Did you think the filmmakers did a good job of balancing the different tones? Did it remind you of any other films?
Movie Details
- In theaters: August 25, 2023
- On DVD or streaming: November 7, 2023
- Cast: Lola Campbell , Harris Dickinson , Olivia Brady
- Director: Charlotte Regan
- Inclusion Information: Female directors, Female actors
- Studio: Kino Lorber
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Friendship
- Character Strengths: Courage , Curiosity , Self-control , Teamwork
- Run time: 84 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: December 4, 2023
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