In the Heart of the Sea (2015) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
In the winter of 1820, the New England whaling ship Essex is assaulted by something no one could believe—a whale of mammoth size and will, and an almost human sense of vengeance.
Rated PG-13 • 2015 • 2h 2m
Based on the true story that inspired 'Moby Dick', 'In the Heart of the Sea' received its PG-13 rating for intense and prolonged sequences of action, peril, and disturbing thematic material. The film depicts the sinking of the whaling ship Essex by a massive sperm whale and the crew's subsequent fight for survival. Parents should be aware of harrowing scenes of shipwreck, starvation, an off-screen but clearly depicted suicide, and… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is In the Heart of the Sea appropriate for kids?
Based on the true story that inspired 'Moby Dick', 'In the Heart of the Sea' received its PG-13 rating for intense and prolonged sequences of action, peril, and disturbing thematic material. The film depicts the sinking of the whaling ship Essex by a massive sperm whale and the… Read more — free account
Content severity in In the Heart of the Sea
What happens in In the Heart of the Sea, moment by moment
- 0:05 ♥ Sex & Nudity 1/10
- 0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:25 💬 Language 3/10
Sex and nudity in In the Heart of the Sea
Sexual content is very brief and mild. A married couple shares a kiss at the beginning of the film. In one short scene, a sailor is shown polishing a piece of scrimshaw (a whale bone carving) that depicts a cartoonish woman with bare breasts. Some men are seen shirtless due to the heat or physical labor.
Violence and gore in In the Heart of the Sea
Violence is significant, primarily related to intense peril and the realities of 19th-century whaling. The whale's attacks on the ship and smaller boats are destructive and chaotic, with men thrown into the water and killed. Whales are hunted with harpoons, showing them bleeding and being processed for oil. In a particularly grim sequence, a young sailor must climb inside a dead whale's head. One character commits suicide by shooting himself in the head; the act isn't graphic, but the intent and sound are clear.
Language in In the Heart of the Sea
Language is infrequent and fits the period setting, remaining in the mild-to-moderate range. There are several uses of "Goddamn" and "damn," as well as scattered uses of "hell," "bastard," and one instance of "shit."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in In the Heart of the Sea
Substance use is minor and incidental to the historical setting. Characters are briefly seen drinking alcohol in a pub at the beginning of the film. Several sailors smoke tobacco from pipes throughout the voyage.
Mature themes in In the Heart of the Sea
The film deals with severe and mature themes, primarily survival, trauma, and death. After the shipwreck, the crew faces starvation and dehydration, with their physical and mental decline shown in detail. This leads to discussions and depictions of cannibalism, including drawing straws to choose a sacrifice. Themes of suicide and PTSD (as seen in the older Nickerson recounting his story) are central to the narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is In the Heart of the Sea appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests In the Heart of the Sea is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Based on the true story that inspired 'Moby Dick', 'In the Heart of the Sea' received its PG-13 rating for intense and prolonged sequences of action, peril, and disturbing thematic material. The film depicts the sinking…
What age rating does In the Heart of the Sea have?
In the Heart of the Sea is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is In the Heart of the Sea about?
Based on the true story that inspired 'Moby Dick', 'In the Heart of the Sea' received its PG-13 rating for intense and prolonged sequences of action, peril, and disturbing thematic material. The film depicts the sinking of the whaling ship Essex by a massive sperm whale and the crew's subsequent fight for survival…
Is there sex or nudity in In the Heart of the Sea?
Sexual content is very brief and mild. A married couple shares a kiss at the beginning of the film. In one short scene, a sailor is shown polishing a piece of scrimshaw (a whale bone carving) that depicts a cartoonish woman with bare breasts. Some men are…
How violent is In the Heart of the Sea?
Violence is significant, primarily related to intense peril and the realities of 19th-century whaling. The whale's attacks on the ship and smaller boats are destructive and chaotic, with men thrown into the water and killed. Whales are hunted with harpoons…
Is the language in In the Heart of the Sea appropriate for kids?
Language is infrequent and fits the period setting, remaining in the mild-to-moderate range. There are several uses of "Goddamn" and "damn," as well as scattered uses of "hell," "bastard," and one instance of "shit."
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in In the Heart of the Sea?
Substance use is minor and incidental to the historical setting. Characters are briefly seen drinking alcohol in a pub at the beginning of the film. Several sailors smoke tobacco from pipes throughout the voyage.
What mature themes appear in In the Heart of the Sea?
The film deals with severe and mature themes, primarily survival, trauma, and death. After the shipwreck, the crew faces starvation and dehydration, with their physical and mental decline shown in detail. This leads to discussions and depictions of…
How long is In the Heart of the Sea?
In the Heart of the Sea runs 122 minutes, directed by Ron Howard, released in 2015.
Where can I read the full In the Heart of the Sea parent guide?
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