Poster for La Maladroite

La Maladroite (2019) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Stella is 6 but she is going to school for the first time. Happy, exuberant (maybe too much) she is a lovely child, but is often absent. Her parents say she is fragile. She tells her teacher, Céline, she fell when asked why she has a few bruises. Is it child abuse or real immune deficiency? The doubt is growing in the mind of those who meet the child. Worried, Céline notes every injury until the day the family moves without telling anyone.

Rated NR • 2019 • 1h 24m

7.9
Average rating by Bontent members
Sign up for full access
Age
13+

La Maladroite is a somber and emotionally intense French drama centered on the harrowing theme of suspected child abuse. The film earns its mature rating primarily through its deeply distressing subject matter, as a teacher, Céline, grows increasingly concerned for a 6-year-old student, Stella, who repeatedly shows up with bruises. While there is no graphic on-screen violence, the visual evidence of a child's injuries is frequent and… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Isabelle Carré
Isabelle Carré
Émilie Dequenne
Émilie Dequenne
Damien Jouillerot
Damien Jouillerot
India Hair
India Hair
EH
Elsa Hyvaert
Sign up to get 40,000+ Bontent parent guides
Unlock ratings, reviews, recommendations and guides for all content types

Is La Maladroite appropriate for kids?

La Maladroite is a somber and emotionally intense French drama centered on the harrowing theme of suspected child abuse. The film earns its mature rating primarily through its deeply distressing subject matter, as a teacher, Céline, grows increasingly concerned for a 6-year-old… Read more — free account

Content severity in La Maladroite

Sex None 0/10
Violence Strong 7/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances Mild 1/10
Themes Intense 8/10

What happens in La Maladroite, moment by moment

  1. 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
  2. 0:12 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
  3. 0:20 💬 Language 3/10
Unlock all 11 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in La Maladroite

Sexual content is not present in this film.

Violence and gore in La Maladroite

Violence is central to the plot but is depicted indirectly. The acts of abuse against the child are never shown on screen. Instead, the film frequently shows the results of violence, such as numerous bruises, scratches, and other injuries on the 6-year-old girl. These images are presented matter-of-factly but are inherently disturbing and form the basis of the story's conflict.

Language in La Maladroite

Language is very mild and infrequent. An occasional mild French expletive like "merde" (shit) may be heard, spoken by adults in moments of frustration.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in La Maladroite

There is some incidental substance use. Adults are occasionally seen drinking wine in social settings, such as at dinner, or smoking cigarettes. This is depicted as a normal part of life and is not a plot point.

Mature themes in La Maladroite

Thematic content is extremely heavy and is the primary reason for caution. The entire film revolves around the suspicion of severe child abuse and neglect. It explores the psychological distress of those trying to intervene, parental gaslighting, institutional helplessness, and the profound vulnerability of a child. The film's conclusion is tragic and implies a devastating outcome for the child.

Bontent Member Reviews

Register for free to join the conversation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is La Maladroite appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests La Maladroite is best for ages 13+. It's rated NR. La Maladroite is a somber and emotionally intense French drama centered on the harrowing theme of suspected child abuse. The film earns its mature rating primarily through its deeply distressing subject matter, as a…

What age rating does La Maladroite have?

La Maladroite is officially rated NR. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is La Maladroite about?

La Maladroite is a somber and emotionally intense French drama centered on the harrowing theme of suspected child abuse. The film earns its mature rating primarily through its deeply distressing subject matter, as a teacher, Céline, grows increasingly concerned for a 6-year-old student, Stella, who repeatedly shows up…

Is there sex or nudity in La Maladroite?

Sexual content is not present in this film.

How violent is La Maladroite?

Violence is central to the plot but is depicted indirectly. The acts of abuse against the child are never shown on screen. Instead, the film frequently shows the results of violence, such as numerous bruises, scratches, and other injuries on the 6-year-old…

Is the language in La Maladroite appropriate for kids?

Language is very mild and infrequent. An occasional mild French expletive like "merde" (shit) may be heard, spoken by adults in moments of frustration.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in La Maladroite?

There is some incidental substance use. Adults are occasionally seen drinking wine in social settings, such as at dinner, or smoking cigarettes. This is depicted as a normal part of life and is not a plot point.

What mature themes appear in La Maladroite?

Thematic content is extremely heavy and is the primary reason for caution. The entire film revolves around the suspicion of severe child abuse and neglect. It explores the psychological distress of those trying to intervene, parental gaslighting…

How long is La Maladroite?

La Maladroite runs 84 minutes, directed by Éléonore Faucher, released in 2019.

Where can I read the full La Maladroite 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.

Sign up for access to 40,000+ parent guides.