Approved for 12+

Tinker

Grady, an on-the-spectrum recluse farmer, discovers his late father’s secret journal that contains the plans to a machine that can change the world. His tinkering is interrupted by his 6-year-old nephew after the nephew's mother suffers an untimely death.
6
Negative Rating
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SexLanguageViolenceDrugsNudityOther
6
Positive Rating
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FaithIntegrity

Dove Review

In the faith-based film Tinker, Grady (Clayne Crawford) is something of a man of science. He works mostly alone, occupying his time with little fixture projects and often ignores his faith-driven community. On one fateful day, two events throw a kink into his life. First, he finds a journal belonging to his long-deceased father with information about electromagnetic research. Second, his sister passes away and leaves him with custody of her young boy, Kai (Colton Crawford).

Grady finds himself in a crossroads of meaning. All of his reclusive life he has been drawn to science and logic, dismissing any faith and mysticism. With Kai in his life, he is challenged with the responsibility of another life, and particularly the life of a young boy equipped with crystals with potential supernatural powers.

What the film gets right is a looming sense of introversion. It studies both of these characters, Grady and Kai, quiet types who do not attract much attention. Yet the film graces them with talents and special gifts, a major takeaway from the film. No matter what you have lost or how different you are in your community, you are blessed with special gifts.

The Dove Take:

Some might view these crystals and their powers as a little too fantastic, detracting from the faithful core of the story. Ultimately, this supernaturalism plays a very minor role, only supporting the positive messages of responsibility and God-given gifts. In other words, although there is a mystical element that may not align with traditional Christian beliefs, the role of the crystals is more symbolic than literal, and the important character arcs still stand out.

We award Tinker our Dove Approved Ages 12+.

Dove Rating Details

3
Faith

Man reads a Bible; woman and child pray together; mention of God’s gifts

3
Integrity

Discussion of death of parents; character plays Russian Roulette

0
Sex

None

0
Language

None

2
Violence

Discussion of death of parents; character plays Russian Roulette

2
Drugs

Woman drinks wine alone; character frequently smokes cigarettes

0
Nudity

None

2
Other

A quasi-supernatural element in crystals/stones

More Information