Hysteria (2011) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Two doctors in Victorian England use manual stimulation of female genitalia to cure their patients' ills, leading to the invention of the vibrator.
Rated R • 2011 • 1h 40m
Rated R primarily for its pervasive sexual content, "Hysteria" is a romantic comedy about the invention of the vibrator in Victorian London. The film's rating stems from numerous scenes depicting the clinical treatment of female "hysteria" through manual and later mechanical genital stimulation to induce orgasm; while no nudity is shown, the content is frank and thematically adult. Viewers can also expect some mild language, including… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Hysteria appropriate for kids?
Rated R primarily for its pervasive sexual content, "Hysteria" is a romantic comedy about the invention of the vibrator in Victorian London. The film's rating stems from numerous scenes depicting the clinical treatment of female "hysteria" through manual and later mechanical… Read more — free account
Content severity in Hysteria
What happens in Hysteria, moment by moment
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
- 0:12 ♥ Sex & Nudity 7/10
- 0:16 🍷 Substances 2/10
Sex and nudity in Hysteria
Strong sexual content is the central theme and reason for the film's R rating. There are multiple scenes where doctors perform "pelvic massages" on fully clothed female patients to induce orgasms, presented in a clinical but comedic context. The camera focuses on the women's reactions and the doctor's repetitive hand motions. The invention and application of the first electric vibrator is a key plot point, shown in a montage of satisfied patients. Dialogue is frank, with discussion of female pleasure and a direct…
Read more — free accountViolence and gore in Hysteria
Violence is infrequent and mild. In one scene, a character, Charlotte, punches a police officer in the face. Shortly after, she is slapped hard across the face by another man and thrown to the ground; she is later seen with a bloodied lip. The threat of a forced hysterectomy is presented as a potential court-ordered punishment, which is a significant thematic threat of medical violence.
Language in Hysteria
Language is mild and infrequent. There is one use of "prick" in a sexual context. Other language includes a few instances of "bugger," "bloody," "damn," and "hell." The profanity is not a major component of the film.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Hysteria
Substance use is mild. Main characters drink wine and port socially at an engagement party. In one scene, a character who has broken her ankle is clearly intoxicated from rum. It is mentioned in passing that a surgeon requires a quart of gin to steady his hands before operating.
Mature themes in Hysteria
The film explores mature themes of female sexuality, patriarchal oppression, and the history of medicine through a satirical lens. The diagnosis of "hysteria" is shown as a catch-all for any female behavior that defies convention. Charlotte's character represents early feminism and social justice, as she runs a settlement house for the poor. The courtroom scene directly confronts medical misogyny, with the threat of a forced hysterectomy being used to control a woman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hysteria appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Hysteria is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. Rated R primarily for its pervasive sexual content, "Hysteria" is a romantic comedy about the invention of the vibrator in Victorian London. The film's rating stems from numerous scenes depicting the clinical treatment…
What age rating does Hysteria have?
Hysteria is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is Hysteria about?
Rated R primarily for its pervasive sexual content, "Hysteria" is a romantic comedy about the invention of the vibrator in Victorian London. The film's rating stems from numerous scenes depicting the clinical treatment of female "hysteria" through manual and later mechanical genital stimulation to induce orgasm; while…
Is there sex or nudity in Hysteria?
Strong sexual content is the central theme and reason for the film's R rating. There are multiple scenes where doctors perform "pelvic massages" on fully clothed female patients to induce orgasms, presented in a clinical but comedic context. The camera…
How violent is Hysteria?
Violence is infrequent and mild. In one scene, a character, Charlotte, punches a police officer in the face. Shortly after, she is slapped hard across the face by another man and thrown to the ground; she is later seen with a bloodied lip. The threat of a…
Is the language in Hysteria appropriate for kids?
Language is mild and infrequent. There is one use of "prick" in a sexual context. Other language includes a few instances of "bugger," "bloody," "damn," and "hell." The profanity is not a major component of the film.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Hysteria?
Substance use is mild. Main characters drink wine and port socially at an engagement party. In one scene, a character who has broken her ankle is clearly intoxicated from rum. It is mentioned in passing that a surgeon requires a quart of gin to steady his…
What mature themes appear in Hysteria?
The film explores mature themes of female sexuality, patriarchal oppression, and the history of medicine through a satirical lens. The diagnosis of "hysteria" is shown as a catch-all for any female behavior that defies convention. Charlotte's character…
How long is Hysteria?
Hysteria runs 100 minutes, directed by Tanya Wexler, released in 2011.
Where can I read the full Hysteria parent guide?
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