Beginners (2011) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Oliver meets the irreverent and unpredictable Anna only months after his father Hal Fields has passed away. This new love floods Oliver with memories of his father, who, following the death of his wife of 44 years, came out of the closet at age 75 to live a full, energized, and wonderfully tumultuous gay life – which included a younger boyfriend.
Rated R • 2011 • 1h 45m
Beginners is a reflective drama exploring the life of Oliver Fields as he processes the death of his father, Hal, who came out as gay late in life. The film weaves between Oliver’s present-day struggle with intimacy and his poignant memories of his parents. Parents should be aware of mature themes concerning cancer, grief, and complex family dynamics. There is occasional mild sexual content and infrequent profanity, making this film… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Beginners appropriate for kids?
Beginners is a reflective drama exploring the life of Oliver Fields as he processes the death of his father, Hal, who came out as gay late in life. The film weaves between Oliver’s present-day struggle with intimacy and his poignant memories of his parents. Parents should be… Read more — free account
Content severity in Beginners
What happens in Beginners, moment by moment
- 0:15 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
- 0:22 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:35 🍷 Substances 2/10
Sex and nudity in Beginners
The film features mild sexual content. There are scenes depicting a couple kissing, and characters briefly discuss sexual history and identity. A woman is seen dressing with partial side-breast nudity briefly visible, and characters occasionally view adult-themed literature or art.
Violence and gore in Beginners
None. The film contains no on-screen physical violence.
Language in Beginners
Language is mild throughout the film. There are three clear uses of the 'f-word' along with several uses of 'Jesus Christ' as an exclamation.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Beginners
Light usage. Adult characters are seen consuming wine and alcohol in social settings throughout the film, and smoking occurs in minor scenes.
Mature themes in Beginners
The narrative deals heavily with themes of terminal illness, grief, and the struggle to find authentic connection. Flashbacks depict a marriage strained by repressed identity, and the process of a parent dying from cancer is treated with emotional gravity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beginners appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Beginners is best for ages 15+. It's rated R. Beginners is a reflective drama exploring the life of Oliver Fields as he processes the death of his father, Hal, who came out as gay late in life. The film weaves between Oliver’s present-day struggle with intimacy and…
What age rating does Beginners have?
Beginners is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 15+.
What is Beginners about?
Beginners is a reflective drama exploring the life of Oliver Fields as he processes the death of his father, Hal, who came out as gay late in life. The film weaves between Oliver’s present-day struggle with intimacy and his poignant memories of his parents. Parents should be aware of mature themes concerning cancer…
Is there sex or nudity in Beginners?
The film features mild sexual content. There are scenes depicting a couple kissing, and characters briefly discuss sexual history and identity. A woman is seen dressing with partial side-breast nudity briefly visible, and characters occasionally view…
How violent is Beginners?
None. The film contains no on-screen physical violence.
Is the language in Beginners appropriate for kids?
Language is mild throughout the film. There are three clear uses of the 'f-word' along with several uses of 'Jesus Christ' as an exclamation.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Beginners?
Light usage. Adult characters are seen consuming wine and alcohol in social settings throughout the film, and smoking occurs in minor scenes.
What mature themes appear in Beginners?
The narrative deals heavily with themes of terminal illness, grief, and the struggle to find authentic connection. Flashbacks depict a marriage strained by repressed identity, and the process of a parent dying from cancer is treated with emotional gravity.
How long is Beginners?
Beginners runs 105 minutes, directed by Mike Mills, released in 2011.
Where can I read the full Beginners 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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