Story
The Secret: Dare to Dream is based on the positive thinking philosophy of Rhonda Byrne’s 2006 self-help book, The Secret.
The movie stars Katie Holmes as Miranda Wells, a young widow with three children who’s struggling to make ends meet following her husband’s death. One night, as the town is preparing for a dangerous tropical storm, Miranda bumps into the car in front of her. When she gets out to inspect the damage, she meets Bray Johnson (Josh Lucas), who insists on helping her fix the bumper on her car. After the ferocious storm crashes a tree through her roof, Bray is there again the next morning, offering to fix it for her.
Although Miranda is confused and rather suspicious of Bray’s motives, she can’t afford to turn him down. His positive spin on life starts to bring light and happiness into their lives. But it turns out that Bray hasn’t just turned up by accident. He actually has a secret that could change their lives forever.
Themes
Natural disaster; death of a father and spouse; romance; positive thinking and affirmation; financial hardship
Violence
The Secret: Dare to Dream has some violence. For example:
- In frustration, Miranda kicks the bumper of her car violently and repeatedly.
- Miranda slaps Bray in the face when she’s angry with him, and then she shoves him roughly in the chest.
Sexual references
The Secret: Dare to Dream has some sexual references and some romance. For example:
- Missy says to Miranda, ‘You’re the one who has to sleep with him’. They’re discussing whether her mother should get married.
- Miranda’s friend says that Bray is ‘hot’ and asks whether he’s single.
- Miranda and Bray hold hands and have a long, passionate kiss.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
The Secret: Dare to Dream shows some alcohol use. For example, adults drink wine but they don’t get drunk.
Nudity and sexual activity
None noted.
Product placement
The following products are displayed or used in The Secret: Dare to Dream:
- Apple iPhone and laptop computer
- FedEx
- Ben & Jerry’s ice-cream.
Coarse language
There is some very mild coarse language in The Secret: Dare to Dream, including ‘pissed’.
Ideas to discuss with your children
The Secret: Dare to Dream is a mild romantic drama with some positive messages and an uplifting, happy ending. It’s unlikely to scare or disturb children, but they might find it boring and it probably won’t hold their attention. For these reasons, it’s a movie for adults rather than children.
The main messages from this movie are that positive thinking can change your life, and that you can create your own luck.
Values in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include gratitude, positive thinking and optimism.
This movie could also give you the chance to talk with your children about real-life questions like the following:
- What is it like to live through a natural disaster? How do communities prepare?
- What do you think about the philosophy behind this movie? This philosophy is that you create your own reality with the power of your thoughts. How do you think people particularly those who struggle with financial security, health problems or other challenges might feel about it?