Julia Roberts shares an extraordinary anecdote: her daughter Hazel Moder, inspired by the profound human connections depicted in Rob Reiner’s classic ‘Stand by Me’, chose to go smartphone-free, highlighting the enduring relevance of classic narratives in a digital age.
In an increasingly digital world, the enduring power of classic cinema continues to surprise and inspire. Superstar Julia Roberts recently shared a heartwarming and thought-provoking story about her daughter, Hazel Moder, that perfectly encapsulates this sentiment. After watching the beloved 1986 coming-of-age film ‘Stand by Me’, Hazel made a profound decision: she voluntarily gave up her smartphone, seeking a deeper, more authentic form of connection.
Hazel Moder’s ‘Stand by Me’ Revelation
Roberts, a mother of three with husband Danny Moder—including 19-year-old twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, and son Henry, 16—recounted the impactful moment during an interview discussing her new film ‘After the Hunt’ with The New York Times. She explained that after watching ‘Stand by Me’, Hazel approached her with a surprising request.
“I’m going to give you my phone,” Hazel told her mother, explaining her reasoning with remarkable clarity: “I just thought if those boys had phones, they wouldn’t be talking to each other like that. They wouldn’t have gone looking for that body, they wouldn’t sit around the fire and share these stories.” This powerful observation struck Roberts, highlighting a generational truth about how technology can sometimes impede genuine social interaction.
The film, directed by Rob Reiner and based on Stephen King’s novella ‘The Body’, follows a group of young friends—played by Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O’Connell—on a poignant journey of discovery and bonding in 1959 Oregon. Its depiction of deep childhood friendship, shared vulnerability, and adventure without digital distraction evidently resonated deeply with Hazel.
Roberts’ Approach to Technology and Family Life
This anecdote is not an isolated incident but rather fits within Roberts’ long-standing philosophy on raising her children with a balanced approach to technology. She and Danny Moder have implemented strict household rules to encourage face-to-face interaction and limit screen time. Roberts previously discussed these guidelines with Today in 2023.
Key rules for the Roberts-Moder household include:
- A designated charging station for all phones upon returning home.
- No phones permitted at the dinner table, ensuring meal times are for conversation.
Roberts has also voiced broader concerns about the impact of constant smartphone usage on young minds. She expressed to the U.K. outlet The Times that “Our brains are incapable of that influx,” emphasizing the need for young brains to be filled with “mud and fields” rather than overwhelming digital information.
The Comfort of Classic Television
The family’s appreciation for classic media isn’t limited to films like ‘Stand by Me’. Roberts also revealed a shared comfort watch with her children: ‘The Wonder Years’. She confessed to People that she had never seen the classic 90s sitcom before discovering it with her kids.
“Boy, did we always look forward to cuddling up with that,” Roberts shared. This further underscores a preference for narratives that explore human experiences and relationships, often found in the curated storytelling of past decades, rather than the often fragmented and isolating experience of constant smartphone engagement.
Interestingly, Roberts’ latest thriller, ‘Leave the World Behind’, even features a poignant nod to another iconic 90s sitcom, ‘Friends’, as her character’s daughter, Rose, seeks comfort in its imaginary world. This highlights a recurring theme in Roberts’ recent work and personal life: the search for connection and comfort through storytelling, whether fictional or through direct personal interaction.
‘Stand by Me’: A Timeless Call for Real Connection
For fans of classic films, Hazel Moder’s decision is a powerful testament to the enduring impact of narratives that celebrate authentic human connection. ‘Stand by Me’ remains a beloved classic not just for its coming-of-age story, but for its raw portrayal of friendship, vulnerability, and the transformative experiences of youth. It reminds us that some of life’s most profound moments occur when we are truly present with one another, unburdened by digital distractions.
This story from the Roberts-Moder family serves as a poignant reminder for us all, especially within a community dedicated to classic cinema. The magic of these films often lies in their ability to transport us to worlds where human relationships are paramount, and perhaps, inspire us to seek out similar connections in our own lives, even if it means putting down the phone for a while.
