Se7en (1995) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Two homicide detectives are on a desperate hunt for a serial killer whose crimes are based on the "seven deadly sins" in this dark and haunting film that takes viewers from the tortured remains of one victim to the next. The seasoned Det. Somerset researches each sin in an effort to get inside the killer's mind, while his novice partner, Mills, scoffs at his efforts to unravel the case.
Rated R • 1995 • 2h 7m
David Fincher's 'Se7en' is a grim and intense psychological thriller that earned its R rating for the grisly aftermaths of several horrific murders and pervasive strong language. The film follows retiring detective Somerset and his hot-headed partner Mills as they hunt a serial killer thematically basing his crimes on the seven deadly sins. While the murders themselves are not shown on screen, their results are depicted in graphic and… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Se7en appropriate for kids?
David Fincher's 'Se7en' is a grim and intense psychological thriller that earned its R rating for the grisly aftermaths of several horrific murders and pervasive strong language. The film follows retiring detective Somerset and his hot-headed partner Mills as they hunt a serial… Read more — free account
Content severity in Se7en
What happens in Se7en, moment by moment
- 0:08 ⚔ Violence & Gore 8/10
- 0:11 💬 Language 7/10
- 0:13 ♥ Sex & Nudity 5/10
Sex and nudity in Se7en
Nudity is brief and non-sexual, involving a corpse on an autopsy table whose genitals are briefly visible. One central murder involves a disturbing sexual crime which is described in detail by a witness but not shown on-screen. Thematic discussions of sex are infrequent and clinical.
Violence and gore in Se7en
Severe and graphic, though primarily in its aftermath. None of the elaborate tortures or murders are shown as they happen; instead, the film focuses on the detectives discovering the extremely grisly and disturbing crime scenes. These scenes include rotting and mutilated corpses, extensive blood, and evidence of extreme suffering. A chase scene involves a struggle and a character being struck with a tire iron. The climax features a point-blank shooting with some blood spray.
Language in Se7en
Pervasive and strong throughout. The film contains over 75 uses of "f--k", frequent use of "sh-t", and other profanities like "g--damn" and "bitch". There is also one use of a homophobic slur ("faggot") by a main character.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Se7en
Incidental social drinking and smoking occur. One murder victim is described as a drug dealer. Another victim commits suicide via an overdose of sleeping pills, which is a key plot point, but the act is not depicted.
Mature themes in Se7en
The film's themes are extremely intense, bleak, and psychologically disturbing. It deals unflinchingly with concepts of evil, human depravity, sadism, and nihilism. The killer's methods involve prolonged psychological and physical torture. The film's climax is one of modern cinema's most famous and devastating, involving extreme emotional cruelty and psychological breakdown, including the murder of a pregnant woman (off-screen) and the taunting of her husband with the details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Se7en appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Se7en is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. David Fincher's 'Se7en' is a grim and intense psychological thriller that earned its R rating for the grisly aftermaths of several horrific murders and pervasive strong language. The film follows retiring detective…
What age rating does Se7en have?
Se7en is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is Se7en about?
David Fincher's 'Se7en' is a grim and intense psychological thriller that earned its R rating for the grisly aftermaths of several horrific murders and pervasive strong language. The film follows retiring detective Somerset and his hot-headed partner Mills as they hunt a serial killer thematically basing his crimes on…
Is there sex or nudity in Se7en?
Nudity is brief and non-sexual, involving a corpse on an autopsy table whose genitals are briefly visible. One central murder involves a disturbing sexual crime which is described in detail by a witness but not shown on-screen. Thematic discussions of sex are…
How violent is Se7en?
Severe and graphic, though primarily in its aftermath. None of the elaborate tortures or murders are shown as they happen; instead, the film focuses on the detectives discovering the extremely grisly and disturbing crime scenes. These scenes include rotting…
Is the language in Se7en appropriate for kids?
Pervasive and strong throughout. The film contains over 75 uses of "f--k", frequent use of "sh-t", and other profanities like "g--damn" and "bitch". There is also one use of a homophobic slur ("faggot") by a main character.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Se7en?
Incidental social drinking and smoking occur. One murder victim is described as a drug dealer. Another victim commits suicide via an overdose of sleeping pills, which is a key plot point, but the act is not depicted.
What mature themes appear in Se7en?
The film's themes are extremely intense, bleak, and psychologically disturbing. It deals unflinchingly with concepts of evil, human depravity, sadism, and nihilism. The killer's methods involve prolonged psychological and physical torture. The film's climax…
How long is Se7en?
Se7en runs 127 minutes, directed by David Fincher, released in 1995.
Where can I read the full Se7en 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.
Less intense movies for families
Sign up to filter
More crime movies with parent guides
- The Dark Knight parent guide
- Fight Club parent guide
- The Shawshank Redemption parent guide
- Pulp Fiction parent guide
- Joker parent guide
- The Wolf of Wall Street parent guide
- Shutter Island parent guide
- The Dark Knight Rises parent guide
- Inglourious Basterds parent guide
- The Hunger Games parent guide
- The Godfather parent guide
- Batman Begins parent guide
More movies with Bontent parent guides
- Sullivan's Travels parent guide
- To the Wonder parent guide
- An American Pickle parent guide
- Grand Piano parent guide
- Ophelia parent guide
- Marvel One-Shot: All Hail the King parent guide
- Barbie: The Princess & the Popstar parent guide
- Them parent guide
- Friends with Money parent guide
- Day Watch parent guide
- Lifted parent guide
- The Night Before the Exams parent guide
- Those Happy Days parent guide
- When a Stranger Calls parent guide
- Scoop parent guide
- The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines parent guide