State of Play (2009) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
When a congressional aide is killed, a Washington, D.C. journalist starts investigating the case involving the Representative, his old college friend.
Rated PG-13 • 2009 • 2h 7m
State of Play is a political thriller that earns its PG-13 rating for sudden, non-graphic violence, mature themes, and some strong language. The plot, centered on journalist Cal McAffrey's investigation into a suspicious death linked to Congressman Stephen Collins, involves murder, political conspiracy, and corporate espionage. Parents should be aware of several shootings, an off-screen killing, and discussions of marital affairs and a… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is State of Play appropriate for kids?
State of Play is a political thriller that earns its PG-13 rating for sudden, non-graphic violence, mature themes, and some strong language. The plot, centered on journalist Cal McAffrey's investigation into a suspicious death linked to Congressman Stephen Collins, involves… Read more — free account
Content severity in State of Play
What happens in State of Play, moment by moment
- 0:01 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 0:10 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
Sex and nudity in State of Play
Sexual content is limited to dialogue and situations, with no nudity. The main plot revolves around a congressman's extramarital affair. In one scene, a character claims to have had a threesome with two main characters. Discussions also include an unplanned pregnancy. A photograph is briefly shown of a man with two women in a suggestive but not explicit pose.
Violence and gore in State of Play
Violence is infrequent but can be sudden and lethal, though without graphic gore. The film opens with a man being pursued and shot dead. A key character is pushed in front of a train (the impact is off-screen). There are several other shootings, a sniper attack in a hospital, and a brief fight with a bloody mouth shown. A tense chase scene in a parking garage involves gunfire, and the finale features a character being shot multiple times by police.
Language in State of Play
Language is moderate but includes one use of the f-word. Other profanity is used throughout, including approximately 15 uses of "s--t," as well as "hell," "ass," "d--k," and "bitch."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in State of Play
Substance use is present but generally mild. The main character is frequently shown drinking whiskey, and other characters consume beer in social settings. There are verbal references to other characters being "junkies" and smoking "spliffs," but no on-screen use of illegal drugs is shown. A character also smokes a cigarette in a non-smoking room.
Mature themes in State of Play
The film is built on mature themes of political corruption, corporate crime, murder conspiracies, and journalistic ethics. A central theme is betrayal, both personal and professional, as characters' loyalties are tested. The story deals with the consequences of infidelity, cover-ups, and the abuse of power, culminating in a dark revelation about a main character's culpability in several deaths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is State of Play appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests State of Play is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. State of Play is a political thriller that earns its PG-13 rating for sudden, non-graphic violence, mature themes, and some strong language. The plot, centered on journalist Cal McAffrey's investigation into a…
What age rating does State of Play have?
State of Play is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is State of Play about?
State of Play is a political thriller that earns its PG-13 rating for sudden, non-graphic violence, mature themes, and some strong language. The plot, centered on journalist Cal McAffrey's investigation into a suspicious death linked to Congressman Stephen Collins, involves murder, political conspiracy, and corporate…
Is there sex or nudity in State of Play?
Sexual content is limited to dialogue and situations, with no nudity. The main plot revolves around a congressman's extramarital affair. In one scene, a character claims to have had a threesome with two main characters. Discussions also include an unplanned…
How violent is State of Play?
Violence is infrequent but can be sudden and lethal, though without graphic gore. The film opens with a man being pursued and shot dead. A key character is pushed in front of a train (the impact is off-screen). There are several other shootings, a sniper…
Is the language in State of Play appropriate for kids?
Language is moderate but includes one use of the f-word. Other profanity is used throughout, including approximately 15 uses of "s--t," as well as "hell," "ass," "d--k," and "bitch."
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in State of Play?
Substance use is present but generally mild. The main character is frequently shown drinking whiskey, and other characters consume beer in social settings. There are verbal references to other characters being "junkies" and smoking "spliffs," but no on-screen…
What mature themes appear in State of Play?
The film is built on mature themes of political corruption, corporate crime, murder conspiracies, and journalistic ethics. A central theme is betrayal, both personal and professional, as characters' loyalties are tested. The story deals with the consequences…
How long is State of Play?
State of Play runs 127 minutes, directed by Kevin Macdonald, released in 2009.
Where can I read the full State of Play 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.
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