Mulholland Drive (2001) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Blonde Betty Elms has only just arrived in Hollywood to become a movie star when she meets an enigmatic brunette with amnesia. Meanwhile, as the two set off to solve the second woman's identity, filmmaker Adam Kesher runs into ominous trouble while casting his latest project.
Rated R • 2001 • 2h 27m
David Lynch's surreal neo-noir "Mulholland Drive" earns its R rating for strong, graphic sexuality, some bloody violence, and pervasive, psychologically disturbing themes. The film follows an aspiring actress, Betty, who tries to help an amnesiac woman in Hollywood, but the narrative eventually dissolves into a nightmarish exploration of jealousy, failure, and fractured identity. Content includes explicit lesbian sex scenes with full… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Mulholland Drive appropriate for kids?
David Lynch's surreal neo-noir "Mulholland Drive" earns its R rating for strong, graphic sexuality, some bloody violence, and pervasive, psychologically disturbing themes. The film follows an aspiring actress, Betty, who tries to help an amnesiac woman in Hollywood, but the… Read more — free account
Content severity in Mulholland Drive
What happens in Mulholland Drive, moment by moment
- 0:04 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 0:13 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:27 🔥 Mature Themes 8/10
Sex and nudity in Mulholland Drive
Contains strong scenes of sexuality and graphic nudity. There are two lengthy and explicit lesbian sex scenes featuring passionate kissing, caressing, and full female nudity (breasts and pubic region). One scene involves a character masturbating while having flashbacks to a sexual encounter, with clear breast nudity. Another brief scene shows a woman fully nude in the shower.
Violence and gore in Mulholland Drive
Contains several instances of strong, bloody violence and disturbing gore. A central scene involves a botched hit, where a man is shot in the head at close range (blood spatter is visible) and two other people are killed. A major plot point is the discovery of a partially decomposed corpse in a bed, shown in some detail. A character dies by a graphic, on-screen gunshot to the mouth. Other scenes include a violent car crash and a man being beaten.
Language in Mulholland Drive
Language is infrequent for an R-rated film. There are approximately three uses of the word "fuck" and one use of "shit." The profanity is not pervasive but is used for emphasis in key moments.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Mulholland Drive
Minor, contextual substance use is present. Characters are frequently shown smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol (wine, cocktails, espresso) in social settings like diners, dinners, and parties. There is no depiction of drug use, though it is briefly and vaguely implied in one instance.
Mature themes in Mulholland Drive
The film is built on severe, psychologically complex, and disturbing themes. Its primary focus is on fractured identity, obsession,jealousy, and the dark, predatory nature of Hollywood ambition. The non-linear dream logic, where characters and realities shift without warning, is intentionally disorienting. Themes of murder-for-hire, guilt, mental breakdown, and suicide are central to the plot, culminating in a deeply tragic and nightmarish final act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mulholland Drive appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Mulholland Drive is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. David Lynch's surreal neo-noir "Mulholland Drive" earns its R rating for strong, graphic sexuality, some bloody violence, and pervasive, psychologically disturbing themes. The film follows an aspiring actress, Betty…
What age rating does Mulholland Drive have?
Mulholland Drive is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is Mulholland Drive about?
David Lynch's surreal neo-noir "Mulholland Drive" earns its R rating for strong, graphic sexuality, some bloody violence, and pervasive, psychologically disturbing themes. The film follows an aspiring actress, Betty, who tries to help an amnesiac woman in Hollywood, but the narrative eventually dissolves into a…
Is there sex or nudity in Mulholland Drive?
Contains strong scenes of sexuality and graphic nudity. There are two lengthy and explicit lesbian sex scenes featuring passionate kissing, caressing, and full female nudity (breasts and pubic region). One scene involves a character masturbating while having…
How violent is Mulholland Drive?
Contains several instances of strong, bloody violence and disturbing gore. A central scene involves a botched hit, where a man is shot in the head at close range (blood spatter is visible) and two other people are killed. A major plot point is the discovery…
Is the language in Mulholland Drive appropriate for kids?
Language is infrequent for an R-rated film. There are approximately three uses of the word "fuck" and one use of "shit." The profanity is not pervasive but is used for emphasis in key moments.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Mulholland Drive?
Minor, contextual substance use is present. Characters are frequently shown smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol (wine, cocktails, espresso) in social settings like diners, dinners, and parties. There is no depiction of drug use, though it is briefly and…
What mature themes appear in Mulholland Drive?
The film is built on severe, psychologically complex, and disturbing themes. Its primary focus is on fractured identity, obsession,jealousy, and the dark, predatory nature of Hollywood ambition. The non-linear dream logic, where characters and realities shift…
How long is Mulholland Drive?
Mulholland Drive runs 147 minutes, directed by David Lynch, released in 2001.
Where can I read the full Mulholland Drive parent guide?
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