Moonlight (2016) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
The tender, heartbreaking story of a young man’s struggle to find himself, told across three defining chapters in his life as he experiences the ecstasy, pain, and beauty of falling in love, while grappling with his own sexuality.
Rated R • 2016 • 1h 51m
Moonlight follows the life of Chiron across three distinct stages of his youth and early adulthood in Miami, focusing on his struggle with his identity and sexuality. Parents should be aware of persistent, realistic depictions of drug abuse, including a mother's harrowing struggle with addiction. The film contains strong language, intense instances of bullying, and physical violence that impacts the protagonist's development. Due to… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Moonlight appropriate for kids?
Moonlight follows the life of Chiron across three distinct stages of his youth and early adulthood in Miami, focusing on his struggle with his identity and sexuality. Parents should be aware of persistent, realistic depictions of drug abuse, including a mother's harrowing… Read more — free account
Content severity in Moonlight
What happens in Moonlight, moment by moment
- 0:10 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
- 0:25 🍷 Substances 6/10
- 0:35 💬 Language 7/10
Sex and nudity in Moonlight
The film explores themes of sexual identity, featuring a scene where a teen masturbates, another where a teen is sexually intimate with a girl while clothed, and general discussions regarding masculinity and attraction.
Violence and gore in Moonlight
Violence is realistic and impactful, ranging from childhood bullying and kids throwing rocks to a brutal high school fight that leaves the protagonist bloodied and physically injured. There is also a scene involving domestic tension where a mother steals money from her son.
Language in Moonlight
Strong, pervasive language is used throughout the film, including multiple uses of the f-word, racial slurs, and homophobic epithets.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Moonlight
Substance use is a central element, primarily the mother's crack cocaine addiction, which is depicted through smoking scenes and visceral withdrawal sequences. Other characters are also shown using drugs, including snorting cocaine and smoking blunts.
Mature themes in Moonlight
The film deals with intense, mature themes including systemic poverty, the impact of the war on drugs on families, deep-seated trauma from bullying, and the complexities of navigating homosexuality in a hostile environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moonlight appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Moonlight is best for ages 16+. It's rated R. Moonlight follows the life of Chiron across three distinct stages of his youth and early adulthood in Miami, focusing on his struggle with his identity and sexuality. Parents should be aware of persistent, realistic…
What age rating does Moonlight have?
Moonlight is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 16+.
What is Moonlight about?
Moonlight follows the life of Chiron across three distinct stages of his youth and early adulthood in Miami, focusing on his struggle with his identity and sexuality. Parents should be aware of persistent, realistic depictions of drug abuse, including a mother's harrowing struggle with addiction. The film contains…
Is there sex or nudity in Moonlight?
The film explores themes of sexual identity, featuring a scene where a teen masturbates, another where a teen is sexually intimate with a girl while clothed, and general discussions regarding masculinity and attraction.
How violent is Moonlight?
Violence is realistic and impactful, ranging from childhood bullying and kids throwing rocks to a brutal high school fight that leaves the protagonist bloodied and physically injured. There is also a scene involving domestic tension where a mother steals…
Is the language in Moonlight appropriate for kids?
Strong, pervasive language is used throughout the film, including multiple uses of the f-word, racial slurs, and homophobic epithets.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Moonlight?
Substance use is a central element, primarily the mother's crack cocaine addiction, which is depicted through smoking scenes and visceral withdrawal sequences. Other characters are also shown using drugs, including snorting cocaine and smoking blunts.
What mature themes appear in Moonlight?
The film deals with intense, mature themes including systemic poverty, the impact of the war on drugs on families, deep-seated trauma from bullying, and the complexities of navigating homosexuality in a hostile environment.
How long is Moonlight?
Moonlight runs 111 minutes, directed by Barry Jenkins, released in 2016.
Where can I read the full Moonlight 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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