Parents' Guide to

Wake Up: Stories from the Frontlines of Suicide Prevention

By Sabrina McFarland, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Candid narratives in inclusionary docu about mental health.

Movie NR 2023 88 minutes
Wake Up: Stories from the Frontlines of Suicide Prevention movie poster: Top displays the back of a White male college student with dark hair seated in a room with hands folded around the neck and head facing slightly downward, wearing a green short-sleeved T-shirt; middle features a newspaper page with coverage about suicide and the film's title in white, black and yellow letters; bottom shows a white government building with a man walking up a flight of stairs, wearing a dark suit and carrying a briefcase

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • Still from Wake Up: Stories from the Frontlines of Suicide Prevention: Rep. Joe Kennedy III, a White U.S. Congressman, faces the camera and is seated for a firsthand interview, wearing a white shirt, dark-colored jacket, and reddish-brown colored hair
  • Still from Wake Up: Stories from the Frontlines of Suicide Prevention: Morissa Sobelson of the Harvard Injury Control Research Center facing the camera during a firsthand interview wearing a dark-colored jacket, diagonally-striped black and white dress, and shoulder-length brunette slightly wavy hair
  • Still from Wake Up: Stories from the Frontlines of Suicide Prevention: Reenactment of actor portraying Kellar Zibilich walking on college campus with back to the camera, wearing a gray-colored T-shirt, black backpack, and dark hair

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What's the Story?

In WAKE UP: STORIES FROM THE FRONTLINES OF SUICIDE PREVENTION, the film gives primary focus to four groups of people who are disproportionately affected by suicide in the United States. They are college students, gun owners, military veterans, and LGBTQ+ individuals. With firsthand interviews featuring family members, friends, and experts, as well as archival photos and footage, the film shares possible ways of preventing an act that reportedly claims the lives of 40,000 people each year.

Is It Any Good?

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

The documentary effectively presents a transparent look at suicide and how it affects others. "I think that every mother thinks their child is the best," says Denise Candice about her son Ryan, a college student who committed suicide, in Wake Up: Stories from the Frontlines of Suicide Prevention. "I had three sons, and I can easily say he was the kindest, most gentle child you could ever hope for." Ryan's brother Anthony concludes that his sibling "was the rock for our family. No one would have seen this coming."

The film mentions that data reportedly indicates that social media and technology may be a driving factor for the increasing rates of suicide on college campuses. "Keep waking up," is the advice offered by suicide survivor Dese'rae Stage, founder of Live Through This, which shares portraits of individuals who are also survivors. "Keep trying. Get yourself through the moments that feel impossible, because there are good things and there will continue to be bad things, you know, that's the nature of life."

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the communication shared by the cast in Wake Up: Stories from the Frontlines of Suicide Prevention. How do they also demonstrate compassion, empathy, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?

  • College student Keller Zibilich reportedly put a lot of pressure on himself to do extremely well in life. What should you do if you or someone you know feels too much pressure to succeed?

  • Do you consider suicide a selfish act? Why, or why not?

  • Families can also talk about suicide and the way it's addressed here. Why is it important to talk about mental health, especially if you're worried about a friend or family member? Note: If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Movie Details

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