If I Stay (2014) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Mia Hall, a talented young cellist, thought the most difficult decision she would ever have to make would be whether to pursue her musical dreams at prestigious Juilliard or follow her heart to be with the love of her life, Adam, a rock singer/guitarist. However, a car wreck changes everything in an instant, and now Mia's life hangs in the balance. Suspended between life and death, Mia faces a choice that will decide her future.
Rated PG-13 • 2014 • 1h 46m
If I Stay is rated PG-13 primarily for its intense and emotionally heavy thematic elements surrounding death and loss, along with some sexual material. The story revolves around Mia, a teen rendered comatose after a car accident that kills her family; she experiences an out-of-body journey where she must choose whether to live or die. The film contains scenes depicting the accident's bloody aftermath, hospital trauma, and the profound… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is If I Stay appropriate for kids?
If I Stay is rated PG-13 primarily for its intense and emotionally heavy thematic elements surrounding death and loss, along with some sexual material. The story revolves around Mia, a teen rendered comatose after a car accident that kills her family; she experiences an… Read more — free account
Content severity in If I Stay
What happens in If I Stay, moment by moment
- 0:16 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 0:17 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
- 0:25 🔥 Mature Themes 8/10
Sex and nudity in If I Stay
Contains some sexual material and innuendo. In one scene, a teenage couple (Mia and Adam) kiss passionately and are later shown lying in bed together, covered by a quilt, implying they have just had sex. Another similar but briefer scene shows them on the floor. There is also a brief kiss between two women at a party and some kissing between the main couple in other scenes.
Violence and gore in If I Stay
The central violent event is a car crash, although the impact itself is not shown. The aftermath is depicted, with Mia seeing herself lying bloody in the snow and her mother's body in a body bag. In the hospital, there are moderately graphic scenes of surgery, including a view of bloody surgical instruments inside a character's body. A character is also shown with bandages and injuries, and a young man is forcefully removed from a hospital room.
Language in If I Stay
Language is relatively mild. The IMDb Parents Guide notes sporadic use of terms like "asshole," "shut up," and some name-calling (e.g., "crazy," "tool"). The profanity is infrequent and not a central focus of the film's content.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in If I Stay
Substance use is minimal. A few scenes take place at parties where adults and possibly teens are seen with drinks, though it's not always clear what is in their cups. In one scene, a character takes a shot of liquor before joining a crowd.
Mature themes in If I Stay
Thematic content is very strong and pervasive. The entire film grapples with death, grief, and loss. Mia witnesses the death of her mother, father, and younger brother from an out-of-body perspective. Characters are shown grieving intensely, and a central theme is Mia's choice between life and death. A particularly emotional scene involves her grandfather tearfully giving her permission to die if she chooses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is If I Stay appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests If I Stay is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. If I Stay is rated PG-13 primarily for its intense and emotionally heavy thematic elements surrounding death and loss, along with some sexual material. The story revolves around Mia, a teen rendered comatose after a car…
What age rating does If I Stay have?
If I Stay is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is If I Stay about?
If I Stay is rated PG-13 primarily for its intense and emotionally heavy thematic elements surrounding death and loss, along with some sexual material. The story revolves around Mia, a teen rendered comatose after a car accident that kills her family; she experiences an out-of-body journey where she must choose…
Is there sex or nudity in If I Stay?
Contains some sexual material and innuendo. In one scene, a teenage couple (Mia and Adam) kiss passionately and are later shown lying in bed together, covered by a quilt, implying they have just had sex. Another similar but briefer scene shows them on the…
How violent is If I Stay?
The central violent event is a car crash, although the impact itself is not shown. The aftermath is depicted, with Mia seeing herself lying bloody in the snow and her mother's body in a body bag. In the hospital, there are moderately graphic scenes of…
Is the language in If I Stay appropriate for kids?
Language is relatively mild. The IMDb Parents Guide notes sporadic use of terms like "asshole," "shut up," and some name-calling (e.g., "crazy," "tool"). The profanity is infrequent and not a central focus of the film's content.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in If I Stay?
Substance use is minimal. A few scenes take place at parties where adults and possibly teens are seen with drinks, though it's not always clear what is in their cups. In one scene, a character takes a shot of liquor before joining a crowd.
What mature themes appear in If I Stay?
Thematic content is very strong and pervasive. The entire film grapples with death, grief, and loss. Mia witnesses the death of her mother, father, and younger brother from an out-of-body perspective. Characters are shown grieving intensely, and a central…
How long is If I Stay?
If I Stay runs 106 minutes, directed by R. J. Cutler, released in 2014.
Where can I read the full If I Stay parent guide?
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