Mabel
An isolated sixth-grader turns a backyard greenhouse and a remarkable plant friendship into a daring experiment in belonging, curiosity, and family connection.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- quiet
- heartwarming
- awkward
- quiet afternoon
- family movie night
What critics said
The limited reception portrays the film as a quiet, heartwarming debut centered on childhood isolation, scientific curiosity, and emotional connection.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Callie’s friendship with the plant Mabel and Ms. G’s introduction to plant intelligence drive the film’s central conflict.
Callie secretly builds a greenhouse in her backyard as a refuge for her research and relationship with Mabel.
Callie follows Ms. G’s scientific ideas even as her obsession creates conflict with her mother and the surrounding community.
Ms. G introduces Callie to controversial ideas about plant intelligence and becomes an important adult connection.
Films like Mabel, and why
The Secret Garden
Shares a child-centered coming-of-age story where plants, imagination, and emotional growth provide an escape from family and social pressures.
Eighth Grade
Shares an intimate portrait of an awkward young person navigating isolation, self-expression, and difficult family dynamics.
Akeelah and the Bee
Shares a warm, child-focused drama about intellectual curiosity, mentorship, and finding confidence through a specialized interest.
Movie Details
- Director
- Nicholas Ma
- Release Date
- 2026-04-17
- Runtime
- 84 min
- Rating
- 8.0 / 10 (1)
Cast
- Lexi Perkel
- Christine Ko
- Lena Josephine Marano
- Quincy Dunn-Baker
- Judy Greer
- Jim Santangeli
Common questions
- What is Mabel about?
- An isolated sixth-grader turns a backyard greenhouse and a remarkable plant friendship into a daring experiment in belonging, curiosity, and family connection.
- What is Mabel like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Mabel as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Mabel violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Mabel.
- What did critics think of Mabel?
- The limited reception portrays the film as a quiet, heartwarming debut centered on childhood isolation, scientific curiosity, and emotional connection.
- Which films are like Mabel?
- Films with a similar feel include The Secret Garden, Eighth Grade, and Akeelah and the Bee.
- How long is Mabel?
- Mabel runs 84 minutes.
