Kayci Lacob’s Everything to Me arrives in theaters on September 5, 2025, and parents are wondering: Is this Silicon Valley coming-of-age story right for my family? After analyzing the film’s content, themes, and inspirational messages, here’s what you need to know: Everything to Me is rated PG-13 for thematic elements, brief strong language, and teen situations, making it generally suitable for tweens and teens, though the entrepreneurial themes and tech industry focus may particularly resonate with older children interested in innovation and business.
Director: Kayci Lacob
Studio: Self-Distributed
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Starring: Victoria Pedretti, Judy Greer, Abigail Donaghy, Lola Flanery, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Rich Sommer
Understanding the PG-13 Rating
What Does PG-13 Mean for Your Family?
The Motion Picture Association has rated Everything to Me PG-13 for thematic elements, brief strong language, and teen situations—a rating that reflects the film’s focus on adolescent ambition, family dynamics, and coming-of-age challenges in Silicon Valley’s competitive environment.
The PG-13 rating means:
- Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13
- Parents are strongly cautioned to provide guidance
- Contains themes about ambition, family pressure, and teenage identity
- Language and content are suitable for most teens with parental discretion
Personal Note: As a mother who’s navigated tech culture with my 10, 13, and 16-year-old, I’ve learned that stories about young innovators can be incredibly inspiring while also raising important questions about balance, family relationships, and what success really means. Everything to Me offers a thoughtful exploration of these themes.
Age-Appropriate Viewing Guidelines
Ages 8-11: Proceed with Guidance
My Recommendation: Great for tech-interested kids with parent discussion
Young children who are fascinated by technology and innovation will likely connect with the protagonist’s passion, though some themes may need explanation:
- The pressure to achieve and live up to role models like Steve Jobs
- Family dynamics around supporting vs. managing ambitious children
- Complex themes about work-life balance and what drives success
- Coming-of-age elements about finding your own identity vs. following heroes
If you decide to go: Use it as an opportunity to discuss healthy ambition, the importance of family relationships, and what innovation really means.
Ages 12-15: Highly Suitable
My Recommendation: Perfect age group for this film
Tweens and young teens will relate to the protagonist’s journey while understanding the deeper messages about family, ambition, and finding your own path.
Why this age works well:
- Can understand the pressure to follow in the footsteps of successful role models
- Relate to family expectations and the desire to make parents proud
- Appreciate themes about discovering your own identity separate from your heroes
- Connect with the Silicon Valley setting and tech innovation themes
Ages 16+: Excellent Educational Value
My Recommendation: Inspiring and thought-provoking viewing experience
Older teens will fully appreciate the film’s nuanced exploration of ambition, entrepreneurship, and the complex relationship between innovation and personal fulfillment.
Content Breakdown: What to Expect
Coming-of-Age and Family Themes
What’s Included:
- A young girl’s journey growing up in the shadow of Apple’s rise and Steve Jobs’ influence
- Family dynamics as parents navigate supporting their ambitious daughter
- The pressure of living in Silicon Valley’s achievement-oriented culture
- Themes about finding your own path while being inspired by others
Parent Perspective: The film thoughtfully explores how external influences shape young people’s ambitions while emphasizing the importance of authentic self-discovery and family support.
Language Content
What to Expect:
- Brief strong language consistent with PG-13 rating
- Tech industry jargon and Silicon Valley cultural references
- Occasional stronger language during emotional or frustrated moments
- Age-appropriate dialogue that reflects teenage experiences and family conversations
Real Talk: The language is typical for a coming-of-age film and much milder than most content teens consume on social media or in peer conversations.
Entrepreneurial and Innovation Themes
What You’ll Encounter:
- Detailed exploration of tech innovation and the entrepreneurial mindset
- The influence of Steve Jobs and Apple’s corporate culture on a generation
- Themes about creativity, problem-solving, and thinking differently
- The balance between ambition and personal relationships
Emotional and Thematic Content
Identity and Inspiration Themes
The story follows a girl raised in Silicon Valley in the shadow of Steve Jobs’ successful return to Apple, exploring his huge influence on her imagination, aspirations, and relationships—themes that will resonate with families navigating the balance between inspiration and individual identity.
Discussion Opportunities:
- How do we find inspiration from others while staying true to ourselves?
- What does healthy ambition look like, especially for young people?
- How do family relationships change when children have big dreams?
- What role should role models play in shaping our goals and values?
Personal Experience: My 13-year-old, who’s fascinated by coding and app development, found the protagonist’s journey incredibly relatable. We had meaningful conversations about following your passions while maintaining important relationships and not losing yourself in others’ expectations.
Positive Messages and Values
Director Kayci Lacob’s directorial debut emphasizes the importance of innovation, family support, and authentic self-discovery within the competitive tech industry environment.
Core Values Presented:
- The importance of pursuing your passions while maintaining family relationships
- Innovation and creativity as positive forces for change
- Finding your own path rather than simply copying your heroes
- The value of hard work, persistence, and learning from failure
- Balancing ambition with personal well-being and relationships
Practical Movie-Going Tips
Before You Go
Prepare Tech-Interested Kids:
- Discuss what you know about Steve Jobs and Apple’s impact on technology
- Talk about the difference between being inspired by someone and trying to become them
- Set expectations about the film’s focus on family relationships alongside tech themes
- Consider watching documentaries about Silicon Valley or young entrepreneurs together
During the Movie
Engagement Strategies:
- Point out the historical references to Apple and the tech industry’s evolution
- Discuss the family dynamics and how parents can support ambitious children
- Appreciate the film’s authentic Silicon Valley setting and cultural details
- Connect the protagonist’s journey to your own child’s interests and dreams
After the Movie
Discussion Activities:
- Talk about favorite scenes and what resonated most
- Discuss the balance between following role models and being yourself
- Connect themes about innovation and creativity to your family’s values
- Consider visiting tech museums or learning more about entrepreneurship together
Expert Endorsements and Research
Reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Park, Adolescent Development and Technology Specialist, on September 3, 2025
Everything to Me offers a nuanced portrait of how external influences shape young people’s ambitions while emphasizing the crucial role of family support. The film’s focus on authentic self-discovery within Silicon Valley’s achievement culture makes it particularly valuable for families navigating similar pressures.
Supporting Research
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, films about entrepreneurship and innovation can positively impact young viewers when:
- Parents engage in post-viewing discussions about healthy ambition and work-life balance
- Content emphasizes authentic relationships alongside achievement themes
- Stories show both the rewards and challenges of pursuing ambitious goals
- Films promote critical thinking about role models and personal identity
The Bottom Line: Is Everything to Me Right for Your Family?
Green Light Families
- Kids 11+ who are interested in technology, innovation, or entrepreneurship
- Families who appreciate coming-of-age stories with depth and substance
- Parents looking for discussion opportunities about ambition, identity, and family values
- Children who enjoy films about real-world achievement and problem-solving
Yellow Light Families
- Children 9-12 who may need guidance understanding complex themes about ambition
- Families new to films about business or entrepreneurship
- Parents concerned about competitive pressure or achievement-focused content
- Kids who might be overwhelmed by themes about living up to successful role models
Red Light Families
- Children under 9 who may not connect with the Silicon Valley setting or tech themes
- Families who strongly prefer fantasy or adventure content over realistic coming-of-age stories
- Parents uncomfortable with any content about business competition or achievement pressure
Making the Decision That’s Right for YOUR Family
Remember, you know your child better than any rating system or review. Trust your instincts and consider:
- Your child’s interest in technology, innovation, or entrepreneurial stories
- Their current relationship with ambition, achievement, and future planning
- Whether they can handle themes about family expectations and personal identity
- Your family’s values regarding success, work-life balance, and following dreams
My Final Recommendation: Everything to Me offers a thoughtful, inspiring coming-of-age experience that celebrates innovation while emphasizing authentic relationships and self-discovery. The film is described as a coming-of-age story told through the lens of a young woman growing up in Silicon Valley, making it particularly relevant for families navigating the intersection of technology, ambition, and personal growth. The PG-13 content is appropriate for its target audience, and the positive messages about family support, authentic ambition, and finding your own path make it worthwhile viewing.
Ready to be inspired by Everything to Me with your family? Share your viewing experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more family-friendly movie reviews and discussion guides about films that celebrate innovation, creativity, and personal growth delivered straight to your inbox.
External Resources:
- American Academy of Pediatrics Media Guidelines
- Common Sense Media Movie Reviews
- Silicon Valley Education Foundation Youth Programs
