Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The New Toy

film

The New Toy

2022

Samy lives happily with his wife, Alice, in a poor urban housing project amongst friends and neighbours. For his son’s birthday, the richest man in France throws open his grand department store, offering the boy whatever he wants. Alexandre chooses Samy, the night watchman, as his new toy…

Source checked

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Products & advertising3/5
  • Romance2/5
  • Alcohol or drugs1/5

Strongest positives

  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Diverse representation3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising3/5
Why this rating?

A luxury department store, birthday shopping, wealth, and the idea of choosing a person as a toy are central story elements.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Some mild language may occur in this family comedy-drama, but there is no indication of frequent, harsh, or slur-based language.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Features a healthy, stable marriage between the main character and his wife.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Adults may engage in occasional social drinking, but substance use does not appear central, glamorized, or directed toward children.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Features mild slapstick physical comedy and occasional minor confrontations common to the genre.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist shows social courage in standing up to his wealthy employer.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Features imaginative scenarios involving the toy store setting.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse cast reflecting urban France, avoiding caricatures.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Offers incidental insight into class social dynamics.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Kindness is a central theme driving the resolution of the character arcs.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong emphasis on the value of empathy and human connection over material gifts.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist demonstrates patience, kindness, and moral integrity.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

  1. Where did a character show kindness or empathy, and what changed because of it?
  2. Did products, possessions, or buying things matter to the story? What message did that send?
  3. Which choice in The New Toy would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The New Toy, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to watch or buy

Buy or rent on AmazonFind on JustWatch

As an Amazon Associate, Dickens & Rumi may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating