Burn (2019) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Lonely, unstable gas station attendant Melinda is tired of being overshadowed by her more confident, outgoing co-worker Sheila. When the gas station is held up at gunpoint by Billy, a desperate man in need of quick cash, Melinda finds an opportunity to make a connection with the robber, regardless of who gets hurt.
Rated R • 2019 • 1h 29m
Burn is rated R mainly for persistent strong language, multiple violent acts (including a fatal shooting and strangulation), and a disturbing on-screen sexual assault. The film follows lonely gas-station attendant Melinda (Tilda Cobham-Hervey) and a desperate robber, Billy, as a nighttime robbery spirals into brutality and manipulation. Parents should be prepared for an explicit hostage sequence, a non-graphic but clearly portrayed… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Burn appropriate for kids?
Burn is rated R mainly for persistent strong language, multiple violent acts (including a fatal shooting and strangulation), and a disturbing on-screen sexual assault. The film follows lonely gas-station attendant Melinda (Tilda Cobham-Hervey) and a desperate robber, Billy, as a… Read more — free account
Content severity in Burn
What happens in Burn, moment by moment
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
- 0:12 💬 Language 7/10
- 0:21 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
Sex and nudity in Burn
Strong and disturbing sexual content: there is an on-screen sexual assault in which Melinda restrains Billy (taping his eyes/mouth), has drugged him with erectile medication, unzips his pants and attempts sex while he is unable to consent. Earlier, sexual references are minor (a request for condoms and a crude insult about virginity). The assault is non-graphic but explicit in intent and very unsettling; IMDb's Parents Guide flags this scene as a major content concern.
Violence and gore in Burn
Frequent, sometimes severe violence: the robbery involves a displayed handgun and a premature gunshot that kills Sheila, a prolonged beating in the break room, a strangulation murder of Perry, and a climactic fire that engulfs Billy. Most injuries are shown without graphic gore, but the physical brutality, sudden deaths, and a man burning are intense and central to the plot. Scenes of people being hit, choked, shot, and set on fire make this a strongly violent film.
Language in Burn
Strong, frequent profanity throughout the film, including numerous uses of the f-word and other coarse insults; verbal abuse and taunting are common between characters. The crude language contributes to the film's gritty, adult tone and occurs in nearly every extended scene.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Burn
Mild but notable: characters smoke cigarettes on screen and Melinda gives Billy pills — she intends aspirin but actually gives him erectile medication (Viagra). There is no glamorized drug use; the pills are used as a plot device to incapacitate and humiliate.
Mature themes in Burn
Strong mature themes: loneliness, workplace bullying, obsessive behavior, mental deterioration, sexual assault, and sudden death recur throughout. The film explores how isolation and humiliation push Melinda toward violent, morally fraught choices; parents should expect bleak, anxiety-inducing emotional beats and adult psychological issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burn appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Burn is best for ages 13+. It's rated R. Burn is rated R mainly for persistent strong language, multiple violent acts (including a fatal shooting and strangulation), and a disturbing on-screen sexual assault. The film follows lonely gas-station attendant…
What age rating does Burn have?
Burn is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Burn about?
Burn is rated R mainly for persistent strong language, multiple violent acts (including a fatal shooting and strangulation), and a disturbing on-screen sexual assault. The film follows lonely gas-station attendant Melinda (Tilda Cobham-Hervey) and a desperate robber, Billy, as a nighttime robbery spirals into…
Is there sex or nudity in Burn?
Strong and disturbing sexual content: there is an on-screen sexual assault in which Melinda restrains Billy (taping his eyes/mouth), has drugged him with erectile medication, unzips his pants and attempts sex while he is unable to consent. Earlier, sexual…
How violent is Burn?
Frequent, sometimes severe violence: the robbery involves a displayed handgun and a premature gunshot that kills Sheila, a prolonged beating in the break room, a strangulation murder of Perry, and a climactic fire that engulfs Billy. Most injuries are shown…
Is the language in Burn appropriate for kids?
Strong, frequent profanity throughout the film, including numerous uses of the f-word and other coarse insults; verbal abuse and taunting are common between characters. The crude language contributes to the film's gritty, adult tone and occurs in nearly every…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Burn?
Mild but notable: characters smoke cigarettes on screen and Melinda gives Billy pills — she intends aspirin but actually gives him erectile medication (Viagra). There is no glamorized drug use; the pills are used as a plot device to incapacitate and humiliate.
What mature themes appear in Burn?
Strong mature themes: loneliness, workplace bullying, obsessive behavior, mental deterioration, sexual assault, and sudden death recur throughout. The film explores how isolation and humiliation push Melinda toward violent, morally fraught choices; parents…
How long is Burn?
Burn runs 89 minutes, directed by Mike Gan, released in 2019.
Where can I read the full Burn parent guide?
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