Wrestling with Love (2026)
Story overview
Wrestling with Love is a 2026 romance-drama about Cal, a shy artist who is unexpectedly forced to join his school's wrestling team. He is trained by Ricky, who initially bullies him, leading to humiliation and tension. As they navigate secrets and rivalry, their relationship evolves from animosity to a deeper connection. With a crucial tournament approaching, both characters must confront and understand their emerging feelings, exploring themes of personal growth, unexpected bonds, and emotional vulnerability in a high-school sports setting.
Parent Guide
A gentle coming-of-age story with mild emotional and relational themes, appropriate for mature children and teenagers. It emphasizes personal growth and understanding over conflict.
Content breakdown
Includes wrestling scenes as part of sports training and competition, with no graphic violence or injuries depicted. Some mild physical tension during bullying moments early in the film.
No frightening or disturbing content. The emotional tension is relatable and non-threatening.
May include very mild, infrequent language such as 'idiot' or 'jerk' in the context of bullying, but no strong profanity.
No sexual content or nudity. The romance is implied through emotional connection and subtle cues, with no physical intimacy beyond possible brief, non-explicit touches.
No depiction of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco use.
Moderate emotional themes related to bullying, rivalry, and emerging feelings, handled in a sensitive and age-appropriate manner. May evoke empathy or mild anxiety in sensitive viewers during conflict scenes.
Parent tips
This film focuses on emotional development and relationship dynamics rather than intense action. It's suitable for pre-teens and teens, with mild themes of bullying and rivalry that resolve positively. The wrestling scenes are portrayed as sports competition without graphic violence. Parents can discuss themes of empathy, overcoming differences, and healthy emotional expression with their children.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
- How did Cal feel when he had to wrestle?
- What did Ricky learn about being a friend?
- Can you draw a picture of Cal and Ricky working together?
- Why do you think Ricky bullied Cal at first?
- How did wrestling help Cal become more confident?
- What would you do if you had a secret feeling like Cal or Ricky?
- How does the movie show that people can change?
- What role does the tournament play in their relationship?
- How do Cal and Ricky handle rivalry in a healthy way?
- Analyze the transition from bullying to emotional tension—what does this say about adolescent relationships?
- How does the film portray the conflict between societal expectations and personal identity?
- Discuss the symbolism of wrestling as a metaphor for internal struggles.
Where to watch
Streaming availability has not been announced yet.