Shame (2011) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Brandon, a thirty-something man living in New York, eludes intimacy with women but feeds his deepest desires with a compulsive addiction to sex. When his younger sister temporarily moves into his apartment, stirring up bitter memories of their shared painful past, Brandon's life, like his fragile mind, gets out of control.
Rated NC-17 • 2011 • 1h 42m
Steve McQueen's "Shame" received its NC-17 rating for its unflinching and pervasive depiction of sex addiction. The film contains numerous scenes of explicit, graphic sexual content, including prolonged full-frontal male and female nudity, and realistic, simulated sex acts such as a threesome, oral sex, and encounters with prostitutes. Beyond the sexual content, parents should be aware of strong themes of self-destruction and mental… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Shame appropriate for kids?
Steve McQueen's "Shame" received its NC-17 rating for its unflinching and pervasive depiction of sex addiction. The film contains numerous scenes of explicit, graphic sexual content, including prolonged full-frontal male and female nudity, and realistic, simulated sex acts such… Read more — free account
Content severity in Shame
What happens in Shame, moment by moment
- 0:02 ♥ Sex & Nudity 9/10
- 0:11 ♥ Sex & Nudity 9/10
- 0:18 ♥ Sex & Nudity 8/10
Sex and nudity in Shame
Sexual content is pervasive, explicit, and earns the film its NC-17 rating. There are numerous scenes of graphic and prolonged full-frontal male and female nudity, including a multi-minute opening shot of the protagonist, Brandon, nude in his apartment. The film depicts various explicit, simulated sexual acts, including masturbation, pornography use, oral sex, aggressive intercourse, an encounter in a gay bar's backroom, and a graphic threesome. The content is not intended to be titillating, but rather to depict…
Read more — free accountViolence and gore in Shame
Violence is infrequent but includes several strong, impactful moments. In a fit of rage, Brandon physically restrains and shoves his sister, Sissy. Later, after antagonizing a man in a bar, Brandon is brutally punched and beaten, resulting in a bloody face. The most graphic scene involves a suicide attempt where a character is discovered in a bathroom covered in a large amount of blood after slitting her wrists; the aftermath is shown in detail.
Language in Shame
Language is strong and frequent throughout. The dialogue includes over 60 uses of the word "f--k," alongside multiple uses of "shit," "ass," and other profanities. Much of the profanity is used during intense arguments or as part of crude, sexually explicit conversations, contributing to the film's harsh and adult tone.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Shame
Substance use is present but not the central focus. Characters drink alcohol, sometimes to excess, in multiple bar and social scenes. There is also occasional cigarette smoking. In one brief scene, a character is shown snorting a line of cocaine during a nightlife sequence.
Mature themes in Shame
The film is an intense and psychologically challenging character study built on mature themes. The central theme is sex addiction and its destructive, isolating consequences, exploring self-loathing, loneliness, and an inability to form genuine connections. Other significant themes include severe depression, family trauma, and self-harm, depicted through a character's scars and a graphic suicide attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shame appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Shame is best for ages 18+. It's rated NC-17. Steve McQueen's "Shame" received its NC-17 rating for its unflinching and pervasive depiction of sex addiction. The film contains numerous scenes of explicit, graphic sexual content, including prolonged full-frontal…
What age rating does Shame have?
Shame is officially rated NC-17. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 18+.
What is Shame about?
Steve McQueen's "Shame" received its NC-17 rating for its unflinching and pervasive depiction of sex addiction. The film contains numerous scenes of explicit, graphic sexual content, including prolonged full-frontal male and female nudity, and realistic, simulated sex acts such as a threesome, oral sex, and encounters…
Is there sex or nudity in Shame?
Sexual content is pervasive, explicit, and earns the film its NC-17 rating. There are numerous scenes of graphic and prolonged full-frontal male and female nudity, including a multi-minute opening shot of the protagonist, Brandon, nude in his apartment. The…
How violent is Shame?
Violence is infrequent but includes several strong, impactful moments. In a fit of rage, Brandon physically restrains and shoves his sister, Sissy. Later, after antagonizing a man in a bar, Brandon is brutally punched and beaten, resulting in a bloody face…
Is the language in Shame appropriate for kids?
Language is strong and frequent throughout. The dialogue includes over 60 uses of the word "f--k," alongside multiple uses of "shit," "ass," and other profanities. Much of the profanity is used during intense arguments or as part of crude, sexually explicit…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Shame?
Substance use is present but not the central focus. Characters drink alcohol, sometimes to excess, in multiple bar and social scenes. There is also occasional cigarette smoking. In one brief scene, a character is shown snorting a line of cocaine during a…
What mature themes appear in Shame?
The film is an intense and psychologically challenging character study built on mature themes. The central theme is sex addiction and its destructive, isolating consequences, exploring self-loathing, loneliness, and an inability to form genuine connections…
How long is Shame?
Shame runs 102 minutes, directed by Steve McQueen, released in 2011.
Where can I read the full Shame parent guide?
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