Parents' Guide to

David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived

Movie NR 2023 83 minutes
David Holmes -- The Boy Who Lived movie poster: Daniel Radcliffe stands next to his stunt double David Holmes who is sitting in a wheelchair.

Common Sense Media Review

Danny Brogan By Danny Brogan , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 11+

Docu about paralyzed Potter stuntman is full of positivity.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 11+?

Harry Potter films</a>. Clips from other films including <a href=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/"/movie-reviews/lost-in-space">Lost in Space</em></a> and <a href=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/"/movie-reviews/bedazzled">Bedazzled. Brief conversation about Dunlop Green Flash sneakers. A can of Diet Coke is seen in the background. Reference to flying first class to New York. A character jokes about spending all their (large) pay check on "sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll."</p> ">
Daniel Radcliffe</a> briefly lighting up a cigarette, which may surprise younger Harry Potter fans. Reference to underage drinking. People are seen drinking beer at a social function. Reference to painkillers.</p> ">

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This documentary about a young stunt man who broke his neck on the set of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 could have been very different had it not been for its star's unbreakable spirit. As tragic as the accident was, it's impossible to walk away from David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived without feeling inspired and with a new appreciation for life. Radcliffe may initially pull the viewers in, but he's more than happy to take a back seat, letting his close friend take center stage. Indeed the bond between Holmes and all his friends is incredibly touching. But Holmes is the star here and what's clear from the behind-the-scenes footage is that he always was. Someone who Radcliffe refers to as an older brother, Holmes' fearlessness and generosity stands out, from the early home footage to his interactions with his nurses and physios. Of course it's heartbreaking to see someone so young being prevented from doing something they so clearly loved. But neither Holmes nor the film ever calls for our sympathy. Indeed the only call to action is one to live your life the best you can, surrounding yourself with the best friends you can find.

Movie Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate