Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Dear Evan Hansen

film

Dear Evan Hansen

2021

Evan Hansen, a high schooler with social anxiety, unintentionally gets caught up in a lie after the family of a classmate who committed suicide mistakes one of Hansen’s letters for their son’s suicide note.

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Suicide, depression, a past suicide attempt, grief, bullying, emotional manipulation, and serious mental-health themes require maturity and may be distressing, though violence and sexual content are limited. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Romance2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Kindness & empathy3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

No significant product placement or commercial focus.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

The suicide of a teenager is the central catalyst for the plot. The aftermath and grief are heavily featured.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Contains very mild language typical of a high school setting.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

A background character is identified as part of the LGBTQIA community.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Evan has a crush on Zoe, they begin a relationship, and later reconcile; romance is secondary to grief and mental-health themes.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

The film deals with intense, distressing themes of self-harm and emotional instability.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Mentions of past drug use by the deceased character during rehab sessions.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Includes a non-graphic depiction of a fall from a tree, later revealed as a suicide attempt.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters confront grief, mental illness, shame, isolation, and public consequences; Evan eventually admits the truth and accepts responsibility.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Music, letters, storytelling, a student remembrance project, and an orchard memorial support emotional expression and community problem-solving.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Includes a diverse supporting cast, though the core narrative remains focused on specific character experiences.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

It offers meaningful, though non-instructional, insight into social anxiety, depression, suicide grief, therapy, family communication, and online behavior.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Family members, peers, and friends show care and support, while the story also examines how misguided help and pressure can hurt others.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The film emphasizes honesty, accountability, seeking mental-health support, listening to vulnerable people, and recognizing the harm caused by deception.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Evan shows empathy and eventually takes responsibility, but he repeatedly lies, exploits grief, neglects support systems, and causes serious harm before making amends.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Dear Evan Hansen would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Dear Evan Hansen, 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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