Breakthrough (2019) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Tragedy strikes when a woman named Joyce's son falls through the ice on a frozen lake and is trapped underwater for over 15 minutes. After being rushed to the hospital, the 14-year-old boy continues to fight for his life as Joyce, her husband and their pastor stay by his bedside and pray for a miracle.
Rated PG • 2019 • 1h 56m
Breakthrough is an inspirational drama centered on the true story of John Smith, a 14-year-old who falls through ice and remains trapped underwater for over 15 minutes. The film focuses on the intense period of his medical crisis, detailing his mother Joyce’s desperate, faith-driven fight to save him while navigating the skepticism of hospital staff. Viewers should be prepared for several scenes depicting medical peril, a child's… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Breakthrough appropriate for kids?
Breakthrough is an inspirational drama centered on the true story of John Smith, a 14-year-old who falls through ice and remains trapped underwater for over 15 minutes. The film focuses on the intense period of his medical crisis, detailing his mother Joyce’s desperate… Read more — free account
Content severity in Breakthrough
What happens in Breakthrough, moment by moment
- 0:22 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
- 0:26 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
- 0:35 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
Sex and nudity in Breakthrough
There is no sexual content in this film.
Violence and gore in Breakthrough
The violence is limited to non-graphic, realistic peril. Key scenes include three boys falling through lake ice and a single, brief moment where a student slaps another.
Language in Breakthrough
Language is very mild. It consists of a few uses of 'hell', 'oh my God', and one instance of the word 'bullshit' that is cut off mid-word.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Breakthrough
There is no substance use or depiction of alcohol, drugs, or smoking in this film.
Mature themes in Breakthrough
The central themes are grief, faith, and medical crisis. The film deals with a life-or-death situation, parental despair, and the emotional toll of a prolonged coma on family dynamics and religious faith.
Scary moments in Breakthrough
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Breakthrough yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Breakthrough appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Breakthrough is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. Breakthrough is an inspirational drama centered on the true story of John Smith, a 14-year-old who falls through ice and remains trapped underwater for over 15 minutes. The film focuses on the intense period of his…
What age rating does Breakthrough have?
Breakthrough is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.
What is Breakthrough about?
Breakthrough is an inspirational drama centered on the true story of John Smith, a 14-year-old who falls through ice and remains trapped underwater for over 15 minutes. The film focuses on the intense period of his medical crisis, detailing his mother Joyce’s desperate, faith-driven fight to save him while navigating…
Is there sex or nudity in Breakthrough?
There is no sexual content in this film.
How violent is Breakthrough?
The violence is limited to non-graphic, realistic peril. Key scenes include three boys falling through lake ice and a single, brief moment where a student slaps another.
Is the language in Breakthrough appropriate for kids?
Language is very mild. It consists of a few uses of 'hell', 'oh my God', and one instance of the word 'bullshit' that is cut off mid-word.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Breakthrough?
There is no substance use or depiction of alcohol, drugs, or smoking in this film.
What mature themes appear in Breakthrough?
The central themes are grief, faith, and medical crisis. The film deals with a life-or-death situation, parental despair, and the emotional toll of a prolonged coma on family dynamics and religious faith.
How long is Breakthrough?
Breakthrough runs 116 minutes, directed by Roxann Dawson, released in 2019.
Where can I read the full Breakthrough 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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