In the Valley of Elah (2007) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A career officer and his wife work with a police detective to uncover the truth behind their son's disappearance following his return from a tour of duty in Iraq.
Rated R • 2007 • 2h 1m
A retired military investigator looks into his son's disappearance after returning from Iraq — and discovers a crime that implicates his fellow soldiers. Tommy Lee Jones and Charlize Theron. The R rating covers violence, disturbing imagery, and language.
Cast
Is In the Valley of Elah appropriate for kids?
A retired military investigator looks into his son's disappearance after returning from Iraq — and discovers a crime that implicates his fellow soldiers. Tommy Lee Jones and Charlize Theron. The R rating covers violence, disturbing imagery, and language. Read more — free account
Content severity in In the Valley of Elah
What happens in In the Valley of Elah, moment by moment
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
- 0:15 💬 Language 5/10
- 0:22 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
Sex and nudity in In the Valley of Elah
There is no actual sexual activity or nudity depicted in this film. The narrative maintains a somber, investigative focus on a missing persons case that avoids romantic or sexual subplots. Any references to adult topics remain strictly within the context of military lifestyle and criminal investigation dialogue.
Violence and gore in In the Valley of Elah
Crime scene evidence — a body found dismembered. The violence of what war does to soldiers depicted through its aftermath.
Language in In the Valley of Elah
The film contains frequent strong language consistent with its R rating, including over 40 uses of the f-word. Characters also use various profanities, derogatory military slang, and mild anatomical terms throughout the investigation. The dialogue reflects the hard-edged realism of soldier interactions and police procedurals.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in In the Valley of Elah
Characters are shown using alcohol as a coping mechanism for the trauma and stress associated with combat and PTSD. Scenes depict soldiers drinking in bars and private settings, often in a heavy or desperate manner. There are also brief references to the use of illegal drugs as part of the lifestyle some soldiers adopted after returning from the front lines.
Mature themes in In the Valley of Elah
What the Iraq War did to the soldiers who fought it — the film is about combat trauma and its expression in violence against civilians and each other. Tommy Lee Jones's quiet devastation is one of the decade's great performances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is In the Valley of Elah appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests In the Valley of Elah is best for ages 16+. It's rated R. A retired military investigator looks into his son's disappearance after returning from Iraq — and discovers a crime that implicates his fellow soldiers. Tommy Lee Jones and Charlize Theron. The R rating covers…
What age rating does In the Valley of Elah have?
In the Valley of Elah is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 16+.
What is In the Valley of Elah about?
A retired military investigator looks into his son's disappearance after returning from Iraq — and discovers a crime that implicates his fellow soldiers. Tommy Lee Jones and Charlize Theron. The R rating covers violence, disturbing imagery, and language.
Is there sex or nudity in In the Valley of Elah?
There is no actual sexual activity or nudity depicted in this film. The narrative maintains a somber, investigative focus on a missing persons case that avoids romantic or sexual subplots. Any references to adult topics remain strictly within the context of…
How violent is In the Valley of Elah?
Crime scene evidence — a body found dismembered. The violence of what war does to soldiers depicted through its aftermath.
Is the language in In the Valley of Elah appropriate for kids?
The film contains frequent strong language consistent with its R rating, including over 40 uses of the f-word. Characters also use various profanities, derogatory military slang, and mild anatomical terms throughout the investigation. The dialogue reflects…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in In the Valley of Elah?
Characters are shown using alcohol as a coping mechanism for the trauma and stress associated with combat and PTSD. Scenes depict soldiers drinking in bars and private settings, often in a heavy or desperate manner. There are also brief references to the use…
What mature themes appear in In the Valley of Elah?
What the Iraq War did to the soldiers who fought it — the film is about combat trauma and its expression in violence against civilians and each other. Tommy Lee Jones's quiet devastation is one of the decade's great performances.
How long is In the Valley of Elah?
In the Valley of Elah runs 121 minutes, directed by Paul Haggis, released in 2007.
Where can I read the full In the Valley of Elah parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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