Poster for Captive State

Captive State (2019) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Nearly a decade after occupation by an extraterrestrial force, the lives of a Chicago neighborhood on both sides of the conflict are explored. In a working-class Chicago neighborhood occupied by an alien force for nine years, increased surveillance and the restriction of civil rights have given rise to an authoritarian system -- and dissent among the populace.

Rated PG-13 • 2019 • 1h 50m

5.7
1K+
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Age
13+

Set in a Chicago neighborhood under alien occupation, "Captive State" earns its PG-13 rating with intense sci-fi violence, mature themes, and some strong language. The film contains several scenes of action and brutality, including characters being suddenly vaporized by alien weapons, shootouts, and an execution-style killing with blood splatter. Thematic material is heavy, exploring an oppressive surveillance state, rebellion… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

John Goodman
John Goodman
Ashton Sanders
Ashton Sanders
Jonathan Majors
Jonathan Majors
Vera Farmiga
Vera Farmiga
Kevin Dunn
Kevin Dunn
Kevin J. O'Connor
Kevin J. O'Connor
Alan Ruck
Alan Ruck
Ben Daniels
Ben Daniels
James Ransone
James Ransone
D. B. Sweeney
D. B. Sweeney
mgk
mgk
Madeline Brewer
Madeline Brewer
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Is Captive State appropriate for kids?

Set in a Chicago neighborhood under alien occupation, "Captive State" earns its PG-13 rating with intense sci-fi violence, mature themes, and some strong language. The film contains several scenes of action and brutality, including characters being suddenly vaporized by alien… Read more — free account

Content severity in Captive State

Sex Moderate 4/10
Violence Strong 7/10
Language Strong 7/10
Substances Moderate 4/10
Themes Intense 8/10

What happens in Captive State, moment by moment

  1. 0:02 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
  2. 0:15 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
  3. 0:26 🍷 Substances 3/10
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Sex and nudity in Captive State

Sexual content is brief. One scene takes place in a brothel, with references to prostitution. A woman is briefly seen from behind wearing a transparent skirt and later in a bra. In another scene, a couple is vaguely seen having sex under sheets on a surveillance monitor, with muted sounds.

Violence and gore in Captive State

Violence is moderate but contains several sudden, intense sequences. Characters are vaporized by alien weapons, disappearing into a puff of red mist. There are firefights with automatic weapons, and one supporting character is shot in the head with a visible blood splatter on a window. A main character is shot in the leg and captured, and another is shown being tortured (off-screen, with sounds and aftermath visible).

Language in Captive State

Language is infrequent but includes some strong words. There are a few uses of "shit" and at least one clear use of "fuck."

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Captive State

Substance use is mild and plot-related. A hand-rolled cigarette is used to pass a secret message. A character is seen with what appears to be cocaine. In one scene, a character pours alcohol on a wound to sterilize it and takes a drink for the pain.

Mature themes in Captive State

The film's themes are heavy and intense. It revolves around a grim and violent resistance against an oppressive alien occupation, featuring constant surveillance, loss of freedom, and martial law. Key plot points involve self-sacrifice, including a character taking a cyanide pill to avoid capture and another preparing for a suicide mission. The film opens with parents being killed in front of their children, and a character is shown footage of a loved one being tortured.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Captive State appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Captive State is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Set in a Chicago neighborhood under alien occupation, "Captive State" earns its PG-13 rating with intense sci-fi violence, mature themes, and some strong language. The film contains several scenes of action and…

What age rating does Captive State have?

Captive State is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Captive State about?

Set in a Chicago neighborhood under alien occupation, "Captive State" earns its PG-13 rating with intense sci-fi violence, mature themes, and some strong language. The film contains several scenes of action and brutality, including characters being suddenly vaporized by alien weapons, shootouts, and an execution-style…

Is there sex or nudity in Captive State?

Sexual content is brief. One scene takes place in a brothel, with references to prostitution. A woman is briefly seen from behind wearing a transparent skirt and later in a bra. In another scene, a couple is vaguely seen having sex under sheets on a…

How violent is Captive State?

Violence is moderate but contains several sudden, intense sequences. Characters are vaporized by alien weapons, disappearing into a puff of red mist. There are firefights with automatic weapons, and one supporting character is shot in the head with a visible…

Is the language in Captive State appropriate for kids?

Language is infrequent but includes some strong words. There are a few uses of "shit" and at least one clear use of "fuck."

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Captive State?

Substance use is mild and plot-related. A hand-rolled cigarette is used to pass a secret message. A character is seen with what appears to be cocaine. In one scene, a character pours alcohol on a wound to sterilize it and takes a drink for the pain.

What mature themes appear in Captive State?

The film's themes are heavy and intense. It revolves around a grim and violent resistance against an oppressive alien occupation, featuring constant surveillance, loss of freedom, and martial law. Key plot points involve self-sacrifice, including a character…

How long is Captive State?

Captive State runs 110 minutes, directed by Rupert Wyatt, released in 2019.

Where can I read the full Captive State parent guide?

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