Poster for Martian Child

Martian Child (2007) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

A recently-widowed science fiction writer considers whether to adopt a hyper-imaginative 6-year-old abandoned and socially-rejected boy who says he's really from Mars.

Rated PG-13 • 2007 • 1h 46m

6.7
200+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
10+

This film's PG rating is for its mature thematic elements and some mild language. Martian Child centers on David, a grieving widower who adopts a young boy, Dennis, who believes he is from Mars as a way to cope with severe past trauma and abandonment. The film has no significant violence, sexual content, or substance use, but focuses heavily on emotionally intense topics like grief, adoption struggles, and a child's profound fear of… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

John Cusack
John Cusack
Bobby Coleman
Bobby Coleman
Amanda Peet
Amanda Peet
Sophie Okonedo
Sophie Okonedo
Joan Cusack
Joan Cusack
Oliver Platt
Oliver Platt
Richard Schiff
Richard Schiff
TC
Taya Calicetto
David Kaye
David Kaye
BB
Braxton Bonneville
SC
Samuel Charles
Zak Ludwig
Zak Ludwig
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Is Martian Child appropriate for kids?

This film's PG rating is for its mature thematic elements and some mild language. Martian Child centers on David, a grieving widower who adopts a young boy, Dennis, who believes he is from Mars as a way to cope with severe past trauma and abandonment. The film has no significant… Read more — free account

Content severity in Martian Child

Sex None 0/10
Violence Moderate 3/10
Language Mild 2/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in Martian Child, moment by moment

  1. 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
  2. 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
  3. 0:22 💬 Language 2/10
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Sex and nudity in Martian Child

None. The film contains no sexual content, innuendo, or nudity.

Violence and gore in Martian Child

Violence is not a factor. In one scene, a father and son playfully but messily break dishes together as a form of emotional release, not aggression. Another scene involves a father grabbing his son abruptly to move him from danger, which is startling but not violent. The climax features a child in a perilous situation on a high building ledge, which is tense but is not an act of violence.

Language in Martian Child

Language is very mild. There are a few instances of words like 'hell' and 'damn,' used in moments of frustration by adult characters.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Martian Child

None. Characters are not shown drinking, smoking, or using drugs.

Mature themes in Martian Child

The film's primary content concerns are its mature emotional themes. It explores childhood trauma and abandonment through a boy who has created a delusion to cope. The story also portrays an adult's grief over the loss of a spouse, the emotional difficulties of the adoption process, and a child's intense, recurring fear of being abandoned again. The threat of family separation by social services is a key plot point.

Scary moments in Martian Child

No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Martian Child yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Martian Child appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Martian Child is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG-13. This film's PG rating is for its mature thematic elements and some mild language. Martian Child centers on David, a grieving widower who adopts a young boy, Dennis, who believes he is from Mars as a way to cope with…

What age rating does Martian Child have?

Martian Child is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.

What is Martian Child about?

This film's PG rating is for its mature thematic elements and some mild language. Martian Child centers on David, a grieving widower who adopts a young boy, Dennis, who believes he is from Mars as a way to cope with severe past trauma and abandonment. The film has no significant violence, sexual content, or substance…

Is there sex or nudity in Martian Child?

None. The film contains no sexual content, innuendo, or nudity.

How violent is Martian Child?

Violence is not a factor. In one scene, a father and son playfully but messily break dishes together as a form of emotional release, not aggression. Another scene involves a father grabbing his son abruptly to move him from danger, which is startling but not…

Is the language in Martian Child appropriate for kids?

Language is very mild. There are a few instances of words like 'hell' and 'damn,' used in moments of frustration by adult characters.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Martian Child?

None. Characters are not shown drinking, smoking, or using drugs.

What mature themes appear in Martian Child?

The film's primary content concerns are its mature emotional themes. It explores childhood trauma and abandonment through a boy who has created a delusion to cope. The story also portrays an adult's grief over the loss of a spouse, the emotional difficulties…

How long is Martian Child?

Martian Child runs 106 minutes, directed by Menno Meyjes, released in 2007.

Where can I read the full Martian Child parent guide?

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