The Abyss (1989) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A civilian oil rig crew is recruited to conduct a search and rescue effort when a nuclear submarine mysteriously sinks. One diver soon finds himself on a spectacular odyssey 25,000 feet below the ocean's surface where he confronts a mysterious force that has the power to change the world or destroy it.
Rated PG-13 • 1989 • 2h 20m
James Cameron's underwater sci-fi adventure "The Abyss" earned its PG-13 rating for prolonged sequences of intense, claustrophobic peril, some violence, and frequent profanity. The film follows the crew of the Deep Core underwater rig, including Bud and Lindsey Brigman, as they face equipment failure, military conflict, and contact with an unknown intelligence. Parents should be aware of several high-stress scenes involving drowning… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Abyss appropriate for kids?
James Cameron's underwater sci-fi adventure "The Abyss" earned its PG-13 rating for prolonged sequences of intense, claustrophobic peril, some violence, and frequent profanity. The film follows the crew of the Deep Core underwater rig, including Bud and Lindsey Brigman, as they… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Abyss
What happens in The Abyss, moment by moment
- 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:35 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:48 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
Sex and nudity in The Abyss
This category is very mild. In a lengthy and desperate CPR sequence, a woman's shirt is torn open and her breasts are briefly visible as chest compressions are administered; the context is entirely medical and non-sexual. In another scene, a man's bare buttocks are seen for a moment.
Violence and gore in The Abyss
Violence is moderate but contains several intense moments. A character suffering from high-pressure-induced paranoia becomes increasingly erratic and violent, culminating in a fight with pipes where his face is bloodied. He later dies when his submersible is crushed by water pressure. Several crew members are killed by drowning when the rig floods, and their bodies are briefly seen. The climax involves a tense race to disarm a nuclear warhead.
Language in The Abyss
Profanity is frequent and strong for a PG-13 film. The dialogue includes approximately 30 uses of "shit," one use of "fuck" (shouted during a moment of panic), and multiple instances of "bitch," "son of a bitch," "ass," "damn," "hell," and "goddamn."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Abyss
Substance use is very minor. A few crew members are incidentally shown smoking cigarettes.
Mature themes in The Abyss
The film contains strong and sustained thematic material, primarily centered on intense peril and emotional distress. Characters face imminent death from drowning, crushing pressure, and equipment failure. One key sequence involves a character intentionally drowning with the hope of being resuscitated, which is depicted in a harrowing and emotional manner. Other themes include a character's descent into violent paranoia, self-sacrifice, and the threat of nuclear conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Abyss appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Abyss is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. James Cameron's underwater sci-fi adventure "The Abyss" earned its PG-13 rating for prolonged sequences of intense, claustrophobic peril, some violence, and frequent profanity. The film follows the crew of the Deep Core…
What age rating does The Abyss have?
The Abyss is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Abyss about?
James Cameron's underwater sci-fi adventure "The Abyss" earned its PG-13 rating for prolonged sequences of intense, claustrophobic peril, some violence, and frequent profanity. The film follows the crew of the Deep Core underwater rig, including Bud and Lindsey Brigman, as they face equipment failure, military…
Is there sex or nudity in The Abyss?
This category is very mild. In a lengthy and desperate CPR sequence, a woman's shirt is torn open and her breasts are briefly visible as chest compressions are administered; the context is entirely medical and non-sexual. In another scene, a man's bare…
How violent is The Abyss?
Violence is moderate but contains several intense moments. A character suffering from high-pressure-induced paranoia becomes increasingly erratic and violent, culminating in a fight with pipes where his face is bloodied. He later dies when his submersible is…
Is the language in The Abyss appropriate for kids?
Profanity is frequent and strong for a PG-13 film. The dialogue includes approximately 30 uses of "shit," one use of "fuck" (shouted during a moment of panic), and multiple instances of "bitch," "son of a bitch," "ass," "damn," "hell," and "goddamn."
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Abyss?
Substance use is very minor. A few crew members are incidentally shown smoking cigarettes.
What mature themes appear in The Abyss?
The film contains strong and sustained thematic material, primarily centered on intense peril and emotional distress. Characters face imminent death from drowning, crushing pressure, and equipment failure. One key sequence involves a character intentionally…
How long is The Abyss?
The Abyss runs 140 minutes, directed by James Cameron, released in 1989.
Where can I read the full The Abyss parent guide?
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