Igby Goes Down (2002) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Name: Igby Goes Down
Director: Burr Steers
Released: 2002
Duration: 97 min
Rating: 6.6

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Igby Slocumb, a rebellious and sarcastic 17-year-old boy, is at war with the stifling world of old money privilege he was born into. With a schizophrenic father, a self-absorbed, distant mother, and a shark-like young Republican big brother, Igby figures there must be a better life out there -- and sets about finding it.

Rated R • 2002 • 1h 37m

Directed by Burr Steers

6.6

200+

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

13+

Igby Goes Down is rated R chiefly for pervasive strong profanity, explicit drug use, sexual situations (including implied underage activity), and an emotionally intense assisted suicide. The film follows 17-year-old Igby Slocumb as he rebels against his old-money family; parents should be prepared for scenes involving heroin addiction (Rachel), a psychotic episode by Igby’s father Jason, and the deliberate killing of Igby’s mother… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Kieran Culkin

Susan Sarandon

Jeff Goldblum

Claire Danes

Jared Harris

Amanda Peet

Ryan Phillippe

Bill Pullman

Rory Culkin

Peter Anthony Tambakis

Bill Irwin

Kathleen Gati

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Is Igby Goes Down appropriate for kids?

Content severity in Igby Goes Down

Sex Intense 8/10

Violence Intense 8/10

Language Strong 7/10

Substances Strong 7/10

Themes Intense 8/10

What happens in Igby Goes Down, moment by moment

0:07 💬 Language 7/10
0:12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
0:21 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10

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Sex and nudity in Igby Goes Down

Strong sexual situations recur and include nudity. Igby has sex with Rachel in her studio (post-coital shots and scattered clothes), and IMDb parents notes describe an older woman jumping into bed with a teenage boy where we see her bare back and his reaction — implied underage sexual activity. Brief glimpses of bare breasts and a man briefly seen butt-naked are also reported. These scenes are non-graphic but emotionally charged given the characters' ages and context.

Violence and gore in Igby Goes Down

Strong but generally non-graphic physical violence appears several times. Igby is beaten at a military academy and later by others (bloody nose, bruising), and there’s a psychotic episode by his father that shatters a shower door leaving bloodied glass. The film includes an assisted killing of Mimi (poisoned yogurt, then suffocated with a plastic bag) and a later scene showing a body being zipped into a body bag. These scenes are upsetting and sometimes bloody, though not graphically gory.

Language in Igby Goes Down

Severe and frequent profanity throughout, including multiple uses of "fuck," "shit," and several homophobic/sexual slurs; IMDb parents listings call out words like "cunt," "prick," and "dick." Characters regularly trade insults and vulgarities in family confrontations and street-level arguments. Expect constant adult language in most major scenes.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Igby Goes Down

Strong drug and alcohol use is depicted repeatedly. Rachel is a heroin addict (IV scabs visible and implied intravenous use), characters pass out from tainted drugs, and drugs (cocaine) are bought/sold on camera; people smoke cigarettes, clove cigars and drink often. Overdose/being passed out is shown, and drug use is integral to several plot beats.

Mature themes in Igby Goes Down

Strong mature themes: assisted suicide, mental illness, family dysfunction, death and abandonment. Igby fears inheriting his schizophrenic father Jason's illness; Mimi’s arranged death (and the family’s complicity) is a central, disturbing event. The film also explores sexual exploitation, addiction, and emotional neglect — these are sustained and emotionally intense.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Igby Goes Down appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Igby Goes Down is best for ages 13+. It's rated R. Igby Goes Down is rated R chiefly for pervasive strong profanity, explicit drug use, sexual situations (including implied underage activity), and an emotionally intense assisted suicide. The film follows 17-year-old…

What age rating does Igby Goes Down have?

Igby Goes Down is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Igby Goes Down about?

Is there sex or nudity in Igby Goes Down?

How violent is Igby Goes Down?

Is the language in Igby Goes Down appropriate for kids?

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Igby Goes Down?

What mature themes appear in Igby Goes Down?

How long is Igby Goes Down?

Igby Goes Down runs 97 minutes, directed by Burr Steers, released in 2002.

Where can I read the full Igby Goes Down parent guide?

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