Elena (2013) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Petra heads to New York in search of her older sister after a long time of being separated. They are both movie actresses and heirs of the wounds of the Brazilian dictatorship. But Petra has only a few clues: home movies, newspaper clippings, a diary...
Rated NR • 2013 • 1h 22m
This parent guide refers to the 2011 Russian film 'Elena', not the 2013 Brazilian documentary of the same name. It is a slow-burn thriller that earned its mature reputation for its bleak and complex themes, not for graphic content. The film's rating is driven by its central plot, in which the title character, Elena, commits a premeditated, non-graphic murder of her wealthy husband for financial gain. Parents should be aware of this… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Elena appropriate for kids?
This parent guide refers to the 2011 Russian film 'Elena', not the 2013 Brazilian documentary of the same name. It is a slow-burn thriller that earned its mature reputation for its bleak and complex themes, not for graphic content. The film's rating is driven by its central… Read more — free account
Content severity in Elena
What happens in Elena, moment by moment
- 0:05 ♥ Sex & Nudity 5/10
- 0:20 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
- 0:30 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
Sex and nudity in Elena
One brief, non-explicit sexual scene occurs early in the film, showing a married couple in bed where the woman's bare back is visible. Later, Viagra is mentioned and used as a central element in a murder plot, which carries a clinical but sexual implication.
Violence and gore in Elena
The film's central violent act is a premeditated murder by poisoning, which is depicted bloodlessly as a man suffers a fatal medical event in bed. In a separate scene, a group of youths attacks and beats another young man, but the altercation is brief and not graphic. The film's tension is more psychological than physical.
Language in Elena
There is some occasional use of mild profanity, primarily used in moments of frustration by characters. It is not frequent or strong.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Elena
Characters occasionally drink wine or other liquor in domestic settings, including a family toast at the end. Prescription medication is a key plot device, as pills are deliberately swapped to induce a fatal heart attack.
Mature themes in Elena
The film explores strong and mature themes of class conflict, greed, and profound moral decay. The central character commits a cold-blooded murder of her husband to provide for her family, and the film examines this act without clear judgment, focusing on the bleak consequences and lack of remorse. Themes of familial entitlement and dishonesty are pervasive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elena appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Elena is best for ages 13+. It's rated NR. This parent guide refers to the 2011 Russian film 'Elena', not the 2013 Brazilian documentary of the same name. It is a slow-burn thriller that earned its mature reputation for its bleak and complex themes, not for…
What age rating does Elena have?
Elena is officially rated NR. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Elena about?
This parent guide refers to the 2011 Russian film 'Elena', not the 2013 Brazilian documentary of the same name. It is a slow-burn thriller that earned its mature reputation for its bleak and complex themes, not for graphic content. The film's rating is driven by its central plot, in which the title character, Elena…
Is there sex or nudity in Elena?
One brief, non-explicit sexual scene occurs early in the film, showing a married couple in bed where the woman's bare back is visible. Later, Viagra is mentioned and used as a central element in a murder plot, which carries a clinical but sexual implication.
How violent is Elena?
The film's central violent act is a premeditated murder by poisoning, which is depicted bloodlessly as a man suffers a fatal medical event in bed. In a separate scene, a group of youths attacks and beats another young man, but the altercation is brief and not…
Is the language in Elena appropriate for kids?
There is some occasional use of mild profanity, primarily used in moments of frustration by characters. It is not frequent or strong.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Elena?
Characters occasionally drink wine or other liquor in domestic settings, including a family toast at the end. Prescription medication is a key plot device, as pills are deliberately swapped to induce a fatal heart attack.
What mature themes appear in Elena?
The film explores strong and mature themes of class conflict, greed, and profound moral decay. The central character commits a cold-blooded murder of her husband to provide for her family, and the film examines this act without clear judgment, focusing on the…
How long is Elena?
Elena runs 82 minutes, directed by Petra Costa, released in 2013.
Where can I read the full Elena 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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