Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Mr. Harrigan's Phone

film

Mr. Harrigan's Phone

2022

Craig, a young boy living in a small town befriends an older, reclusive billionaire, Mr. Harrigan. The two form a bond over books and an iPhone, but when the man passes away the boy discovers that not everything dead is gone.

Ages 15+Source checked

Why this age? The film includes repeated deaths, suicide-related imagery and discussion, a frightening supernatural premise, bullying, grief, drunk-driving tragedy, and emotionally intense moral consequences. PG-13 viewers may still find it upsetting. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age15+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character5/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Alcohol or drugs3/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5
Why this rating?

The iPhone is a central plot device, appearing frequently on screen.

Death of a character5/5
Why this rating?

Death is a central theme, with multiple characters passing away, including the mentor figure and others via suicide.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Includes descriptions and aftermath of suicides; limited explicit imagery.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Contains mild to moderate profanity typical of a PG-13 drama.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal religious imagery, mostly related to funeral rites.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Includes very minor, age-appropriate high school dating elements.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

The supernatural connection with a dead man, ominous messages, unexplained deaths, graves, and a horror atmosphere may be strongly frightening.

Alcohol or drugs3/5
Why this rating?

Craig reports a bully's drug-dealing activity, and a drunk driver causes a fatal crash; alcohol-related irresponsibility has serious consequences.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

A bully attacks Craig, and deaths follow supernatural wishes, including a fall and a fatal car accident; violence is more consequential than graphic.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

Craig faces bullying, bereavement, supernatural fear, and moral guilt, eventually confronting his actions and letting go of the phone.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Its supernatural mystery, symbolic technology, moral speculation, and Craig’s interest in writing can spark imagination, but creativity is not the film’s central focus.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Limited in its specific cultural representation.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Contains literary references and discussions about books.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Craig and Harrigan develop a caring bond, and a teacher helps Craig, while bullying and grief show the harm caused when empathy is absent.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story warns against revenge, harmful wishes, obsession with technology, and refusing to process grief; it emphasizes accountability and moving forward.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Craig reads to Harrigan, values friendship, and ultimately recognizes responsibility, but he also makes dangerous wishes and is drawn into revenge.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Mr. Harrigan's Phone would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Mr. Harrigan's Phone, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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