Arrival (2016) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Taking place after alien crafts land around the world, an expert linguist is recruited by the military to determine whether they come in peace or are a threat.
Rated PG-13 • 2016 • 1h 56m
A linguist is recruited to communicate with alien visitors while experiencing vivid memories of her daughter. Amy Adams. Denis Villeneuve's most emotionally devastating film. The PG-13 rating covers the film's sustained existential themes and the devastating emotional revelation of its structure.
Cast
Is Arrival appropriate for kids?
A linguist is recruited to communicate with alien visitors while experiencing vivid memories of her daughter. Amy Adams. Denis Villeneuve's most emotionally devastating film. The PG-13 rating covers the film's sustained existential themes and the devastating emotional revelation… Read more — free account
Content severity in Arrival
What happens in Arrival, moment by moment
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
- 0:22 💬 Language 2/10
- 0:42 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
Sex and nudity in Arrival
None.
Violence and gore in Arrival
A soldier's suicide bombing attempt. An alien attack. Violence is minimal but the film's emotional violence is extreme.
Language in Arrival
Mild language consistent with PG-13.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Arrival
None.
Mature themes in Arrival
The film's central revelation — that Louise's 'memories' of her daughter are actually visions of the future, and she chooses to have her daughter knowing she will die young — is one of cinema's most profound explorations of love, loss, and free will. The film is a meditation on whether knowing something terrible in advance changes whether you would choose it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arrival appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Arrival is best for ages 14+. It's rated PG-13. A linguist is recruited to communicate with alien visitors while experiencing vivid memories of her daughter. Amy Adams. Denis Villeneuve's most emotionally devastating film. The PG-13 rating covers the film's sustained…
What age rating does Arrival have?
Arrival is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 14+.
What is Arrival about?
A linguist is recruited to communicate with alien visitors while experiencing vivid memories of her daughter. Amy Adams. Denis Villeneuve's most emotionally devastating film. The PG-13 rating covers the film's sustained existential themes and the devastating emotional revelation of its structure.
Is there sex or nudity in Arrival?
None.
How violent is Arrival?
A soldier's suicide bombing attempt. An alien attack. Violence is minimal but the film's emotional violence is extreme.
Is the language in Arrival appropriate for kids?
Mild language consistent with PG-13.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Arrival?
None.
What mature themes appear in Arrival?
The film's central revelation — that Louise's 'memories' of her daughter are actually visions of the future, and she chooses to have her daughter knowing she will die young — is one of cinema's most profound explorations of love, loss, and free will. The film…
How long is Arrival?
Arrival runs 116 minutes, directed by Denis Villeneuve, released in 2016.
Where can I read the full Arrival parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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