Based on a True Story, Disney+'s New Biopic Clouds Shows the Importance of Living in the Moment

Viewers learn early on in the movie that Zach's diagnosis is terminal despite undergoing chemotherapy. Obviously, getting this news is completely gutting for Zach and his entire family. After being told he has a year to live, Zach decides to do everything in his power to spread joy to the people in his life.

Obviously, seeing a teenager — who should have his entire life ahead of him — grapple with his own death is hard to watch, and may cause children to reflect on their own mortality. It might be worth talking to your children about death, mentioning that there isn't always a tangible explanation for why sad things happen in life.

Although your children may cry at points throughout the movie, Clouds demonstrates how we shouldn't let a single day on earth go to waste.

Naturally, Zach isn't the only person who's affected by his diagnosis. His parents and three siblings are heartbroken as well. Viewers see how having a child who is terminally ill can put a strain on a marriage, as several arguments crop up between his mother, Laura (Neve Campbell) and his dad, Rob (Tom Everett Scott). Although there aren't any full-blown screaming matches, their disagreements combined with his siblings' realisation that they're losing their brother shows how raw emotions can be.

Additionally, Zach's condition has a big impact on his community. In the beginning of the movie, the school principal Mr. Weaver (Lil Rel Howery) mentions to Zach that he shaved his head in his honour. Additionally, there are a handful of scenes that show his schoolmates coming together to support Zach in his final days.

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Exclusive: Watch the Emotional, Heartwarming Second Trailer For Disney+'s Clouds Movie

Navigating a terminal illness is understandably the hardest thing a person may have to do in life. Of course, we all have a finite amount of time on earth, but learning you only have one year to live is another story. Initially after learning his diagnosis, we see Zach pull away from his girlfriend, Amy (Madison Iseman), by ending the relationship. Although they get back together later in the movie, Zach breaks down when they are alone together, eventually recklessly driving away from her house yelling and crying.

Zach's seemingly random outburst may prompt parents to start a discussion about how we react to bad news. It might be helpful to explain that sometimes people have delayed reactions to devastating things because they need more time to process how they feel. Additionally, it may be worthwhile to reinforce that it's OK not to be OK, and that teens should always reach out for support when they need it.

At the end of the movie, the community comes together to throw a party for Zach after his doctors inform the family that he wouldn't make it to prom. Because of Zach's love of music, he attempts to perform "Clouds" live for the audience with his best friend, Sammy (Sabrina Carpenter) around the hour and 45-minute mark.

Despite putting in his best effort on stage, Zach is overtaken by a concerning coughing fit, and can't finish. Although the audience members help Zach finish the song, the scene is incredibly hard to watch and arguably the saddest part of the movie. Parents who aren't sure their kids can handle such an intense moment should consider fast-forwarding.