Evelyn (2002) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Desmond Doyle is devastated when his wife abandons their family on the day after Christmas. His unemployment, and the fact that there is no woman in the house to care for the children—Evelyn, Dermot and Maurice—make it clear to the authorities this is an untenable situation. The Catholic Church and the Irish courts decide to put the Doyle children into Church-run orphanages.
Rated PG • 2002 • 1h 32m
Based on a true story, "Evelyn" received its PG rating for its mature thematic material and some language. The film follows Desmond Doyle's legal battle in 1950s Ireland to regain custody of his children after they are placed in Catholic-run orphanages. Parents should be aware of emotionally intense themes of family separation and child abandonment. Scenes depicting physical abuse are present, notably a nun striking children in an… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Evelyn appropriate for kids?
Based on a true story, "Evelyn" received its PG rating for its mature thematic material and some language. The film follows Desmond Doyle's legal battle in 1950s Ireland to regain custody of his children after they are placed in Catholic-run orphanages. Parents should be aware… Read more — free account
Content severity in Evelyn
What happens in Evelyn, moment by moment
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:10 🍷 Substances 4/10
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
Sex and nudity in Evelyn
None. The IMDb guide notes one instance where a character calls his wife 'frigid' in anger, but there is no sexual content, innuendo, or nudity in the film.
Violence and gore in Evelyn
Violence is moderate for a PG film. In a key sequence, a nun at the orphanage repeatedly strikes a young girl and then slaps another, Evelyn, leaving a visible mark. In a separate scene, the father, Desmond, gets into a brief scuffle with a priest, and they exchange punches. Desmond also angrily confronts the abusive nun, grabbing her and threatening her.
Language in Evelyn
Language is mild but contains some profanity that may be notable for a PG rating. There is at least one use of 'shit,' 'ass,' and a few instances of 'hell.' Religious exclamations such as 'Jesus' and 'For God's sakes' are also used, fitting the film's setting.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Evelyn
The main character's alcoholism is a major theme, particularly in the first half of the film. Desmond is shown drinking heavily in pubs and dealing with the consequences of his addiction. His journey to sobriety is a key plot element. Characters are also frequently seen smoking cigarettes.
Mature themes in Evelyn
The film deals with strong, mature themes that may be upsetting for younger viewers. The core conflict involves the forced separation of a family by the state, child abandonment, and the emotional distress of children in institutional care. It also directly confronts physical abuse by a religious authority figure and a father's struggle with alcoholism.
Scary moments in Evelyn
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Evelyn 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 Evelyn appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Evelyn is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. Based on a true story, "Evelyn" received its PG rating for its mature thematic material and some language. The film follows Desmond Doyle's legal battle in 1950s Ireland to regain custody of his children after they are…
What age rating does Evelyn have?
Evelyn is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.
What is Evelyn about?
Based on a true story, "Evelyn" received its PG rating for its mature thematic material and some language. The film follows Desmond Doyle's legal battle in 1950s Ireland to regain custody of his children after they are placed in Catholic-run orphanages. Parents should be aware of emotionally intense themes of family…
Is there sex or nudity in Evelyn?
None. The IMDb guide notes one instance where a character calls his wife 'frigid' in anger, but there is no sexual content, innuendo, or nudity in the film.
How violent is Evelyn?
Violence is moderate for a PG film. In a key sequence, a nun at the orphanage repeatedly strikes a young girl and then slaps another, Evelyn, leaving a visible mark. In a separate scene, the father, Desmond, gets into a brief scuffle with a priest, and they…
Is the language in Evelyn appropriate for kids?
Language is mild but contains some profanity that may be notable for a PG rating. There is at least one use of 'shit,' 'ass,' and a few instances of 'hell.' Religious exclamations such as 'Jesus' and 'For God's sakes' are also used, fitting the film's setting.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Evelyn?
The main character's alcoholism is a major theme, particularly in the first half of the film. Desmond is shown drinking heavily in pubs and dealing with the consequences of his addiction. His journey to sobriety is a key plot element. Characters are also…
What mature themes appear in Evelyn?
The film deals with strong, mature themes that may be upsetting for younger viewers. The core conflict involves the forced separation of a family by the state, child abandonment, and the emotional distress of children in institutional care. It also directly…
How long is Evelyn?
Evelyn runs 92 minutes, directed by Bruce Beresford, released in 2002.
Where can I read the full Evelyn parent guide?
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