Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Name: Beasts of the Southern Wild
Director: Benh Zeitlin
Released: 2012
Duration: 93 min
Rating: 6.8

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Hushpuppy, an intrepid six-year-old girl, lives with her father, Wink, in 'the Bathtub', a southern Delta community at the edge of the world. Wink’s tough love prepares her for the unraveling of the universe—for a time when he’s no longer there to protect her. When Wink contracts a mysterious illness, nature flies out of whack—temperatures rise and the ice caps melt, unleashing an army of prehistoric creatures called aurochs. With the waters rising, the aurochs coming, and Wink’s health fading, Hushpuppy goes in search of her lost… Sign up for the full guide

Rated PG-13 • 2012 • 1h 33m

Directed by Benh Zeitlin

6.8

1K+

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

13+

Told through the eyes of a six-year-old girl, "Beasts of the Southern Wild" earned its PG-13 rating for mature thematic material including intense child imperilment, some disturbing images, language, and brief sensuality. The film follows Hushpuppy as she navigates life in a poverty-stricken bayou community, a volatile relationship with her ailing father Wink, and a catastrophic hurricane. Parents should be aware of a tense scene where… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Quvenzhané Wallis

Dwight Henry

Levy Easterly

Gina Montana

Lowell Landes

Pamela Harper

Amber Henry

Jonshel Alexander

Nicholas Clark

Joseph Brown

Henry D. Coleman

Kaliana Brower

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Is Beasts of the Southern Wild appropriate for kids?

Content severity in Beasts of the Southern Wild

Sex Moderate 4/10

Violence Strong 6/10

Language Strong 7/10

Substances Strong 6/10

Themes Intense 8/10

What happens in Beasts of the Southern Wild, moment by moment

0:05 🍷 Substances 4/10
0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
0:17 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10

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Sex and nudity in Beasts of the Southern Wild

Content in this category is brief. In one sequence, Hushpuppy visits a floating bar where women wear revealing nightgowns and offer comfort to men; no nudity or explicit activity is shown. In a brief, non-sexual flashback, a woman is seen from behind wearing only a towel. A character's conception is also briefly discussed.

Violence and gore in Beasts of the Southern Wild

The film's violence is more emotional than graphic but includes several impactful moments. In a key scene, Hushpuppy's father, Wink, slaps her hard, and she retaliates by punching him, causing him to collapse. Angry confrontations and threats are common. Following a storm, characters find dead animals, including one with its belly torn open. A scene depicts men using explosives to blow a hole in a levee.

Language in Beasts of the Southern Wild

The profanity is moderate but includes one use of "f--k" during a chaotic moment. Other language includes multiple uses of "shit," "ass" (and "asshole"), "damn" (sometimes paired with "God"), "bitch," and "pussy" (used as an insult for weakness). Much of the dialogue is delivered with thick accents or is mumbled, potentially obscuring some of the language.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Beasts of the Southern Wild

Alcohol consumption is frequent and normalized within the film's community. Adults are often shown drinking heavily, celebrating with liquor, and being drunk. In one significant scene at a floating bar, six-year-old Hushpuppy is given a shot of hard liquor by an adult, and she drinks it. Some characters also smoke cigarettes.

Mature themes in Beasts of the Southern Wild

The film is built on strong and mature themes that may be upsetting for younger viewers. The central themes include survival in extreme poverty, the devastating effects of a natural disaster, and the terminal illness and eventual death of a parent. The relationship between Hushpuppy and her father is a form of 'tough love' that often crosses into verbal abuse and physical intimidation, placing a child in constant peril.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beasts of the Southern Wild appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Beasts of the Southern Wild is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Told through the eyes of a six-year-old girl, "Beasts of the Southern Wild" earned its PG-13 rating for mature thematic material including intense child imperilment, some disturbing images, language, and brief…

What age rating does Beasts of the Southern Wild have?

Beasts of the Southern Wild is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Beasts of the Southern Wild about?

Is there sex or nudity in Beasts of the Southern Wild?

How violent is Beasts of the Southern Wild?

Is the language in Beasts of the Southern Wild appropriate for kids?

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Beasts of the Southern Wild?

What mature themes appear in Beasts of the Southern Wild?

How long is Beasts of the Southern Wild?

Beasts of the Southern Wild runs 93 minutes, directed by Benh Zeitlin, released in 2012.

Where can I read the full Beasts of the Southern Wild parent guide?

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