‘School of Rock’ Child Star Shares The Heartbreaking Reason Watching That Movie Is Painful

There’s something special about childhood memories that makes them stick with us. Whether it's a favorite toy, a summer spent with friends—or even the legendary movies we grew up watching.

For many of us, School of Rock is undoubtedly in the top five on our movie list. I mean, who didn’t want to be part of Dewey Finn’s rock band, skipping homework to shred guitar riffs and drum solos?

It was the ultimate feel-good film that made us all believe we had an inner rock star just waiting to break free. Jack Black’s chaotic energy, combined with a cast of talented kids, created cinematic magic that still holds up today.

For many fans, School of Rock isn’t just a movie; it’s a nostalgic trip back to a time when the biggest responsibility was figuring out what to wear to your friend’s sleepover.

The cast of the movie became icons, not just for their musical talent, but for their roles as young stars finding their way under the guidance of the ultimate unconventional teacher.

But while the rest of us cherish our twentieth rewatch as much as our first—not everyone has the same fond feelings about revisiting the film.

For Rivkah Reyes, who played the bass-wielding Katie, watching School of Rock comes with much more emotional baggage than you might expect.

Hit play and rewind to when Jack Black made school the coolest gig in town!

In an October 2022 episode of the Sleepover Cinema podcast, Reyes opened up about their difficult relationship with the film. They admitted that, despite its iconic status, revisiting it wasn’t always easy.

The 32-year-old, who now goes by the pronouns they/them, explained that much like their other young co-stars, their journey with School of Rock began with excitement and magic.

After filming wrapped, the cast got together to watch the movie, and for the young actors, it was an unforgettable experience.

The Emotional Impact of Nostalgia

Dr. Barbara Fredrickson, a leading researcher in positive psychology, explains that nostalgia often evokes complex emotions, blending joy with sadness. This emotional mix can create a bittersweet experience when revisiting memories from childhood, as seen with the 'School of Rock' star's reluctance to revisit the film.

Fredrickson's studies demonstrate that while nostalgia can enhance feelings of connectedness, it can also highlight unresolved issues from the past, leading to emotional discomfort. Acknowledging these feelings is crucial in processing them and moving forward.

A young Rivkah Reyes alongside Jack Black in a moment that defined a generation of rockers.

Paramount Pictures

“We were like, 'This is so cool!'” Reyes recalled, sharing how they felt like stars while promoting the movie on shows like The Tonight Show. But as time went on—that shine began to fade.

For Reyes, watching themselves over and over again at premieres, festivals, and events began to fuel a cycle of severe self-criticism. They’d pick apart their appearance and scrutinize everything from their facial expressions to their body language.

Rivkah Reyes unpacks the struggle with self-criticism during and after the fame of School of Rock

Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images

“I have severe anxiety,” Reyes admitted. “Ever since I was a little kid, I have had really negative, spiraling thoughts.” This inner turmoil was only compounded by bullying they faced from peers who weren’t as kind about their sudden fame.

Rivkah Reyes explores the impact of self-scrutiny on their mental health on Sleepover Cinema podcast.

Reyes recounted how they would sit beside their mom, cringing at their own performance. However, time has a way of healing old wounds.

Despite their mixed emotions about the movie, our favorite rockstar bassist now says they’re ready to see it with fresh eyes.

While Reyes' experience as a child actor was complicated, their memories attached to filming School of Rock remain mostly positive. “It’s like a family reunion video,” Reyes said, reflecting on the movie’s lasting impact on their life.

Revisiting the film might have once been a challenge, but they’re now ready to appreciate it for what it was—a unique and unforgettable part of their journey.

From a developmental perspective, Dr. Alfie Kohn, an education expert, emphasizes the importance of healthy emotional processing in childhood. He suggests that children who experience significant events, like filming 'School of Rock', may carry those memories into adulthood, affecting their perceptions of success and failure.

Kohn advises that open conversations about these experiences can help individuals understand and integrate their pasts. Engaging in therapeutic practices such as journaling or storytelling can also facilitate emotional healing and allow for a more positive reevaluation of those formative experiences.

Practical Steps for Healing

Reflecting on the emotional complexities of childhood experiences, Dr. Shawn Achor, a positive psychology researcher, highlights the importance of resilience in overcoming painful memories. His work suggests that developing a growth mindset can be transformative, allowing individuals to view challenges as opportunities for personal development.

Achor encourages practices like gratitude journaling and mindfulness to help cultivate this resilience. By focusing on the positive aspects of their past, such as friendships and lessons learned, individuals can reshape their narratives, leading to improved emotional well-being.