Poster for Queen of the Desert

Queen of the Desert (2015) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

A chronicle of Gertrude Bell's life, a traveler, writer, archaeologist, explorer, cartographer, and political attaché for the British Empire in the Near and Middle East at the dawn of the twentieth century. Her knowledge of the tribal leaders is used by the British to establish the Kingdoms of Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

Rated NR • 2015 • 2h 8m

5.8
200+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
13+

This biographical drama chronicles the life of British explorer Gertrude Bell as she navigates the complex political landscape of the Middle East in the early 20th century. The film is rated PG-13 primarily for mature thematic material, including the emotional fallout from a character's off-screen suicide, and discussions of war crimes. Other content includes a scene of brief, non-sexual female nudity, a few instances of mild… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman
James Franco
James Franco
Robert Pattinson
Robert Pattinson
Damian Lewis
Damian Lewis
JA
Jay Abdo
Jenny Agutter
Jenny Agutter
David Calder
David Calder
Christopher Fulford
Christopher Fulford
Nick Waring
Nick Waring
Holly Earl
Holly Earl
Mark Lewis Jones
Mark Lewis Jones
Beth Goddard
Beth Goddard
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Is Queen of the Desert appropriate for kids?

This biographical drama chronicles the life of British explorer Gertrude Bell as she navigates the complex political landscape of the Middle East in the early 20th century. The film is rated PG-13 primarily for mature thematic material, including the emotional fallout from a… Read more — free account

Content severity in Queen of the Desert

Sex Moderate 4/10
Violence Moderate 4/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Strong 7/10

What happens in Queen of the Desert, moment by moment

  1. 0:12 🔥 Mature Themes 2/10
  2. 0:25 🍷 Substances 1/10
  3. 0:38 💬 Language 3/10
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Sex and nudity in Queen of the Desert

The film contains one very brief scene of non-sexual nudity. During a scene where Gertrude Bell bathes in the desert, her nipples are briefly visible through a wet gown. There is no other sexual content or innuendo.

Violence and gore in Queen of the Desert

Violence is infrequent and not graphic. There are a few scenes where characters are threatened at gunpoint by tribal groups, but no one is shot or injured on screen. Some unsettling imagery includes a marketplace with flayed lamb carcasses and a brief shot of human skeletons in the desert. These moments are brief and not gory.

Language in Queen of the Desert

Language is very light. There is a single noted use of "bitch" and "bastard" in the film. No other strong profanity is used.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Queen of the Desert

Substance use is minor and period-appropriate. Characters occasionally drink wine or other alcoholic beverages in social settings, such as at diplomatic functions or in private studies. Smoking is briefly mentioned but not depicted.

Mature themes in Queen of the Desert

The film explores mature themes of romantic loss, grief, and the complexities of colonialism. A central plot point involves a main character's lover committing suicide off-screen, a topic that is discussed and drives much of the protagonist's emotional journey. There are also brief but serious references to regional conflicts, including dialogue about mass killings and implied atrocities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Queen of the Desert appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Queen of the Desert is best for ages 13+. It's rated NR. This biographical drama chronicles the life of British explorer Gertrude Bell as she navigates the complex political landscape of the Middle East in the early 20th century. The film is rated PG-13 primarily for mature…

What age rating does Queen of the Desert have?

Queen of the Desert is officially rated NR. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Queen of the Desert about?

This biographical drama chronicles the life of British explorer Gertrude Bell as she navigates the complex political landscape of the Middle East in the early 20th century. The film is rated PG-13 primarily for mature thematic material, including the emotional fallout from a character's off-screen suicide, and…

Is there sex or nudity in Queen of the Desert?

The film contains one very brief scene of non-sexual nudity. During a scene where Gertrude Bell bathes in the desert, her nipples are briefly visible through a wet gown. There is no other sexual content or innuendo.

How violent is Queen of the Desert?

Violence is infrequent and not graphic. There are a few scenes where characters are threatened at gunpoint by tribal groups, but no one is shot or injured on screen. Some unsettling imagery includes a marketplace with flayed lamb carcasses and a brief shot of…

Is the language in Queen of the Desert appropriate for kids?

Language is very light. There is a single noted use of "bitch" and "bastard" in the film. No other strong profanity is used.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Queen of the Desert?

Substance use is minor and period-appropriate. Characters occasionally drink wine or other alcoholic beverages in social settings, such as at diplomatic functions or in private studies. Smoking is briefly mentioned but not depicted.

What mature themes appear in Queen of the Desert?

The film explores mature themes of romantic loss, grief, and the complexities of colonialism. A central plot point involves a main character's lover committing suicide off-screen, a topic that is discussed and drives much of the protagonist's emotional…

How long is Queen of the Desert?

Queen of the Desert runs 128 minutes, directed by Werner Herzog, released in 2015.

Where can I read the full Queen of the Desert parent guide?

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