SOMM
An inspiring pursuit of excellence, best reserved for discerning adults.
Should You Watch It?
SOMM turns a difficult professional examination into genuinely gripping drama. Four young men dedicate themselves to becoming Master Sommeliers, studying thousands of index cards and preparing for tests in theory, service and wine tasting. Their determination is inspiring, and the film makes their success matter personally and professionally.
The documentary also recognizes the cost of that pursuit. The hours of study affect the men’s wives and girlfriends, and the film’s mixed worldview includes moral and pro-capitalist elements alongside pagan and secular ones. Strong foul language is the clearest content concern.
If you are an adult who can engage those issues with discernment, SOMM is worth watching for its energy and portrait of excellence; for children and young teens, choose another film.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESSOMM follows Brian, Dustin, Ian and DLynn as they prepare for a difficult three-day examination to become Master Sommeliers. Less than 200 people have passed the Master Level test in the 40 years of its existence. The exam covers wine theory, service and tasting, requiring the men to identify mystery wines and assess their quality by smell and taste.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this is a standout documentary. SOMM is captivating and inspiring, generating so much energy around the examination that viewers may find themselves on the edge of their seats waiting for the results.
The film also has broad appeal because nearly everyone remembers facing some kind of difficult test. It clearly shows how passing this exam could change the men’s personal and professional lives, while also showing the dedication required to reach that goal.
The Worldview
SOMM presents a mixed worldview. It contains moral elements, especially in its admiration for hard work, dedication and excellence. It is also strongly pro-capitalist, presenting professional achievement and success as meaningful goals.
Although God is thanked twice, the documentary is otherwise fairly secular and not religious. Its pagan elements contribute to the reason discerning viewers should approach it carefully. Alcohol is also part of the men’s professional world, and some professional wine tasters and stewards get a little buzzed while studying their trade at a party.
The film’s central conviction is that sustained effort can lead to mastery. Scripture likewise honors diligent work: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Light mixed worldview with moral elements, including God is thanked twice, plus strong capitalist elements of working hard to achieve success about passing an exam to become an expert in one’s field; 10 obscenities (including four “f” words), two strong profanities but one was very muffled, and five light exclamatory references; no violence; no sex but one or two characters have longtime girlfriends; no nudity; alcohol use and professional wine tasters and stewards get a little buzzed while studying their trade at a party; no smoking or drugs; and, nothing else objectionable.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
The four men devote enormous effort to mastering their field. When does hard work honor God, and how can ambition become unhealthy?
Colossians 3:23 · Proverbs 14:23The men’s preparation affects their wives and girlfriends. What responsibilities do we have toward the people who carry the cost of our goals?
Philippians 2:3–4 · Galatians 6:2God is thanked twice, but the documentary is otherwise fairly secular. What does it mean to acknowledge God in every area of work and achievement?
1 Corinthians 10:31 · James 1:17The film includes alcohol use connected to professional wine tasting. How should Christians think about freedom, self-control and the effect of their choices on others?
Ephesians 5:18 · Romans 14:13The Final Word
SOMM is a captivating, inspiring portrait of dedication and excellence. Its strong language and mixed, largely secular worldview make it unsuitable for children and young teens, but discerning adults may find the journey genuinely rewarding. Our answer is WORTH THE TRIP — ADULTS ONLY.
