Paper Spiders

What’s it about?

A coming-of-age story about Melanie, a high school senior, who plans to move away from Dawn, her single mother, and their hometown for university.

Dawn’s growing anxiety about Melanie’s departure results in Dawn beginning to display signs of a paranoid delusional disorder.

The facts

• Director: Inon Shampanier
• Starring New Zealander Stefania LaVie Owen (Sweet Tooth)
• English language
• 109 minutes

Why did it get this rating?

This film was rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body. You can find out more here.

Mental health

Dawn suffers from frequent paranoia and delusions about her neighbours trying to taunt and hurt her. Her mental health troubles are heart-breaking but realistic.

Melanie works through the challenges of her mother’s illness with her school counsellor and tries to aid her recovery.

Drug and alcohol use

Melanie experiments with cannabis edibles and alcohol. Another teen shows signs of alcohol dependency. The drug and alcohol use is not shown in a positive light.

Sex

There are some low-level sexual references, including a student talking about wanting to have sex with her teacher.

Violence

A character is punched and slapped in the face.

Offensive Language

“F**k” is mentioned several times.

Further information

• Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
• Discussion guide on the film from the National Alliance on Mental Illness
• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?