Comedy drama

3 Generations (2017): Cast & Ratings

Name: 3 Generations
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Released: 2017-05-05
Duration: 1 h 32 min
Cast: Elle Fanning, Naomi Watts, Susan Sarandon, Tate Donovan

3 Generations is a 2017 comedy drama directed by Gaby Dellal, starring Elle Fanning, Naomi Watts and Susan Sarandon. It runs 1 hour 32 minutes and was made on a reported $10 million budget. Critics gave it 30% on Rotten Tomatoes and 47 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 8.5/10.

IMDb rating: 8.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 30%
Echo Score: 35
Metascore: 47

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Watch the trailer

Released: May 5, 2017
Runtime: 1h 32m (92 min)
Director: Gaby Dellal
Genres: Drama , Comedy
Original language: English
Studio: Weinstein Company, The
Budget: $10M
After the credits: No No extra scene

The story

What Is 3 Generations About?

The premise of 3 Generations without spoilers.

A teenager named Ray, played by Elle Fanning, comes to terms with his gender identity, initiating a challenging journey of self-discovery. His mother, Maggie (Naomi Watts), and grandmother, Dolly (Susan Sarandon), grapple with their own perspectives as they navigate Ray's transition and the complexities of parental consent. The film explores themes of love, acceptance, and the enduring strength of familial relationships as three generations learn to support one another.

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Cast & crew

3 Generations Cast

Elle Fanning leads the cast, with Naomi Watts and Susan Sarandon. Directed by Gaby Dellal; 4 actors are credited in all.

Director Gaby Dellal

From the director

More from Gaby Dellal

More films directed by Gaby Dellal, best-rated first: On a Clear Day, Angels Crest and Football.

Full filmography

Ratings

3 Generations Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave 3 Generations 30% on Rotten Tomatoes and 47 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 8.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 35/100, strongest in character & emotion (50) and weakest in rewatch factor (30).

35 /100

3 Generations Echo Score Breakdown

3 Generations struggles to cohere as a dramatic exploration of its subject matter. Critics and audiences frequently describe its pacing as tentative, with an emphasis on didactic messaging rather than organic storytelling. While the film features competent performances, it often feels constrained by a sense of safe, focus-grouped design. In net effect, the movie’s intentions are evident but its execution lacks the depth and spark to leave a lasting impression.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

Art & Craft 35

The film’s craft feels tentative and formulaic. Reviews note direction that resembles an after-school special more than a cinematic drama, with visuals described as sugarcoated and lacking distinctive flair. Production design and editing serve the story but seldom elevate its thematic weight. Overall, the technical presentation remains serviceable yet uninspiring, undercutting the film’s dramatic aspirations.
Character & Emotion 50

Character portrayals benefit from committed performances but suffer from shallow development. Elle Fanning and Naomi Watts are praised for bringing authenticity, yet emotional moments often feel familiar and scripted. Critics highlight contrived neuroses that mute genuine connection, and character arcs veer into convenience rather than organic growth. In sum, strong acting is undermined by insufficient depth in character construction.
Story & Flow 30

The narrative is widely cited as contrived and overly didactic. Key plot points hinge on legal consent rather than dramatic stakes, and the story frequently diverges into soap-opera subplots that dilute focus. Critics compare its tone to a cautionary school special, and pacing issues prevent sustained engagement. Consequently, the film’s storyline lacks coherence and fails to build meaningful tension.
Sensory Experience 40

Visual and auditory elements offer minimal impact. The cinematography and production design are clean but lean toward a polished, sugarcoated aesthetic that feels misaligned with the film’s intended emotional weight. Soundtrack and sound design go largely unnoticed, and comedic relief moments disrupt tonal consistency. Overall, sensory components remain functional but do not foster an immersive atmosphere.
Rewatch Factor 30

The film exhibits limited replay value due to structural and emotional shortcomings. Subsequent viewings reveal narrative conveniences and uneven character depth, diminishing engagement over time. With its didactic approach and lack of immersive worldbuilding, the movie offers little incentive to revisit beyond an initial viewing. Ultimately, lasting appeal is constrained by a sense of narratived fatigue.