Philomena (2013) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A woman searches for her adult son, who was taken away from her decades ago when she was forced to live in a convent.
Rated PG-13 • 2013 • 1h 38m
Based on a true story, "Philomena" is a poignant and emotionally heavy drama that earned its PG-13 rating for mature thematic material and strong language. The film follows Philomena Lee's fifty-year search for the son who was forcibly taken from her at an Irish convent. The story deals frankly with institutional cruelty by the Catholic church, the trauma of forced adoption, a character's death from AIDS, and closeted sexuality. The… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Philomena appropriate for kids?
Based on a true story, "Philomena" is a poignant and emotionally heavy drama that earned its PG-13 rating for mature thematic material and strong language. The film follows Philomena Lee's fifty-year search for the son who was forcibly taken from her at an Irish convent. The… Read more — free account
Content severity in Philomena
What happens in Philomena, moment by moment
- 0:04 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
- 0:06 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
- 0:08 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
Sex and nudity in Philomena
Sexual content is brief and primarily in dialogue. A teenage Philomena is shown kissing a boy before an off-screen sexual encounter which she alludes to later. We learn her son was a gay man, and there are discussions of his long-term partner and his death from AIDS. There are no sex scenes or nudity.
Violence and gore in Philomena
Physical violence is largely absent. There is a flashback scene depicting a difficult and painful childbirth in a clinical, non-gory manner; the emotional distress is the focus. A man is shown shouting angrily at an elderly nun in a very tense confrontation, but there is no physical contact.
Language in Philomena
Language is occasionally strong and is a primary reason for the rating. The word "f--k" is used four times, typically by one character in moments of anger and frustration. Other milder profanity includes uses of "shit" and "bloody."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Philomena
Substance use is minor and incidental to the plot. Characters are shown drinking beer and liquor in pubs and at a hotel bar during social situations.
Mature themes in Philomena
The film is built on strong, mature, and often heartbreaking themes. The central plot involves the lifelong trauma of a mother whose child was forcibly adopted out by nuns. The story uncovers religious hypocrisy, institutional deception, and cruelty. It also explores a character's hidden identity as a gay man and his subsequent death from AIDS. Ultimately, the film concludes with powerful themes of grief, forgiveness, and moral reckoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philomena appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Philomena is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Based on a true story, "Philomena" is a poignant and emotionally heavy drama that earned its PG-13 rating for mature thematic material and strong language. The film follows Philomena Lee's fifty-year search for the son…
What age rating does Philomena have?
Philomena is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Philomena about?
Based on a true story, "Philomena" is a poignant and emotionally heavy drama that earned its PG-13 rating for mature thematic material and strong language. The film follows Philomena Lee's fifty-year search for the son who was forcibly taken from her at an Irish convent. The story deals frankly with institutional…
Is there sex or nudity in Philomena?
Sexual content is brief and primarily in dialogue. A teenage Philomena is shown kissing a boy before an off-screen sexual encounter which she alludes to later. We learn her son was a gay man, and there are discussions of his long-term partner and his death…
How violent is Philomena?
Physical violence is largely absent. There is a flashback scene depicting a difficult and painful childbirth in a clinical, non-gory manner; the emotional distress is the focus. A man is shown shouting angrily at an elderly nun in a very tense confrontation…
Is the language in Philomena appropriate for kids?
Language is occasionally strong and is a primary reason for the rating. The word "f--k" is used four times, typically by one character in moments of anger and frustration. Other milder profanity includes uses of "shit" and "bloody."
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Philomena?
Substance use is minor and incidental to the plot. Characters are shown drinking beer and liquor in pubs and at a hotel bar during social situations.
What mature themes appear in Philomena?
The film is built on strong, mature, and often heartbreaking themes. The central plot involves the lifelong trauma of a mother whose child was forcibly adopted out by nuns. The story uncovers religious hypocrisy, institutional deception, and cruelty. It also…
How long is Philomena?
Philomena runs 98 minutes, directed by Stephen Frears, released in 2013.
Where can I read the full Philomena parent guide?
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