Is What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up? Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2025)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Documentary cinema, the 2025 release of What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up? stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Simple question asked to kids with a complex view as we grow older. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Simple question asked to kids with a complex view as we grow older. As a child we are obliged to look in only one direction, which leaves adults defeated when the question is not fulfilled. We sat down with people who have multiple jobs, changed jobs or don’t believe in the word "careers". Here they recall their experiences and reveal their views on the working culture."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Gary Leonard Belshaw provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Phoebe Tilse is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 25 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up? truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up? explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2025 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Phoebe Tilse respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up? is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Gary Leonard Belshaw or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up? is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.