Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The Incredible Shrinking Woman

film

The Incredible Shrinking Woman

1981

After being exposed to a bizarre mixture of household chemicals, Pat Kramer begins to shrink. This baffles scientists, makes parenting difficult, warms the hearts of Americans, and captures the attention of a group of people who want to take over the world. This evil group plots to kidnap Pat and perform experiments on her so that they can eventually shrink everyone.

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? Comic peril includes kidnapping, dangerous experiments, presumed death, shrinking, and chemical exposure. The tone is broadly silly, with limited graphic detail and a reassuring outcome. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Products & advertising3/5
  • Alcohol or drugs2/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Kindness & empathy3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising3/5
Why this rating?

The film is a direct satire of consumer culture and brand-obsessed advertising.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Characters are 'presumed dead' as a plot device; there is no actual graphic death portrayed.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

No gore is present; the film is a satirical comedy.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Mild insults or comedic name-calling may occur, but strong profanity is not prominent.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on the marriage between Pat and her husband, but romance is not a central plot driver.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

A mother shrinks dramatically, is endangered and kidnapped, and is presumed dead; parody and absurdity soften the tension.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Contains very mild innuendo typical of 1980s sitcom-style comedies.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Some scenes depict social drinking or incidental use consistent with the suburban setting.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Pat is kidnapped and subjected to threatening experiments; escape peril is presented in a campy, non-graphic comic style.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Pat persists through frightening physical changes, captivity, isolation, and uncertainty, ultimately escaping and facing the public.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

The shrinking premise, dollhouse setting, parody, inventive escape, and super-intelligent gorilla strongly encourage imaginative thinking.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a variety of characters, though typical of 1980s casting standards.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

While science-fiction themed, the science is intentionally nonsensical for comedic purposes.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Rob assists Pat, Sidney helps her escape, and the story values family support and compassion.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The film delivers a message about individuality and questioning societal pressure.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Pat acts with agency and resilience, serving as a positive figure of perseverance.

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. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in The Incredible Shrinking Woman would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Incredible Shrinking Woman, and what caused that change?
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