
Surrogates (2009) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Set in a futuristic world where humans live in isolation and interact through surrogate robots, a cop is forced to leave his home for the first time in years in order to investigate the murders of others' surrogates.
Rated PG-13 • 2009 • 1h 29m
Set in a future where humans live through robotic avatars, "Surrogates" earns its PG-13 rating primarily for intense sci-fi violence and disturbing imagery. The central violent concept involves a weapon that, when used on a robot surrogate, also kills its human operator, and the film shows the aftermath with blood streaming from the victims' eyes. Beyond this recurring unsettling image, the film contains frequent action sequences… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Surrogates appropriate for kids?
Set in a future where humans live through robotic avatars, "Surrogates" earns its PG-13 rating primarily for intense sci-fi violence and disturbing imagery. The central violent concept involves a weapon that, when used on a robot surrogate, also kills its human operator, and the… Read more — free account
Content severity in Surrogates
What happens in Surrogates, moment by moment
- 0:02 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:02 ♥ Sex & Nudity 4/10
- 0:11 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
Sex and nudity in Surrogates
Sexual content is mild and infrequent. A woman is seen in lingerie (bra, panties, garter) during a passionate kissing scene in an alley. Various female surrogates show cleavage. One crude line of dialogue from FBI agent Tom Greer speculates that a surrogate's user could be a man "with his d*ck hanging out."
Violence and gore in Surrogates
Violence is moderate to strong and a core part of the plot. The main threat is a weapon that destroys surrogates and simultaneously kills their human operators; several dead bodies are shown with blood streaming from their eyes. Androids are frequently shot, hit by cars, torn apart, and have their faces melted or blown off, revealing metallic skulls underneath. There are intense chase sequences, shootouts where multiple police officers are killed, and a character is murdered in her home.
Language in Surrogates
Profanity is used infrequently. The language includes a few uses of "shit" and one use of "dick" (in a non-sexual context). Other words include "ass," "damn," "son of a bitch," and several religious exclamations like "Jesus" and "Oh my God."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Surrogates
Substance use is present but mostly related to the film's sci-fi concepts. One character uses a device on their surrogate to experience a sensory high. A major character commits suicide by swallowing a cyanide pill. It is also mentioned in passing that some people take anti-depressants.
Mature themes in Surrogates
The film explores several mature themes. The primary theme is the loss of human connection and identity due to over-reliance on technology. It also deals directly with grief, as the main characters are estranged following the death of their young son. The villain's plot involves a plan for mass murder-suicide on a global scale, and one character takes their own life on screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surrogates appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Surrogates is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Set in a future where humans live through robotic avatars, "Surrogates" earns its PG-13 rating primarily for intense sci-fi violence and disturbing imagery. The central violent concept involves a weapon that, when used…
What age rating does Surrogates have?
Surrogates is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Surrogates about?
Set in a future where humans live through robotic avatars, "Surrogates" earns its PG-13 rating primarily for intense sci-fi violence and disturbing imagery. The central violent concept involves a weapon that, when used on a robot surrogate, also kills its human operator, and the film shows the aftermath with blood…
Is there sex or nudity in Surrogates?
Sexual content is mild and infrequent. A woman is seen in lingerie (bra, panties, garter) during a passionate kissing scene in an alley. Various female surrogates show cleavage. One crude line of dialogue from FBI agent Tom Greer speculates that a surrogate's…
How violent is Surrogates?
Violence is moderate to strong and a core part of the plot. The main threat is a weapon that destroys surrogates and simultaneously kills their human operators; several dead bodies are shown with blood streaming from their eyes. Androids are frequently shot…
Is the language in Surrogates appropriate for kids?
Profanity is used infrequently. The language includes a few uses of "shit" and one use of "dick" (in a non-sexual context). Other words include "ass," "damn," "son of a bitch," and several religious exclamations like "Jesus" and "Oh my God."
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Surrogates?
Substance use is present but mostly related to the film's sci-fi concepts. One character uses a device on their surrogate to experience a sensory high. A major character commits suicide by swallowing a cyanide pill. It is also mentioned in passing that some…
What mature themes appear in Surrogates?
The film explores several mature themes. The primary theme is the loss of human connection and identity due to over-reliance on technology. It also deals directly with grief, as the main characters are estranged following the death of their young son. The…
How long is Surrogates?
Surrogates runs 89 minutes, directed by Jonathan Mostow, released in 2009.
Where can I read the full Surrogates 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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