The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Vignettes weaving together the stories of six individuals in the old West at the end of the Civil War. Following the tales of a sharp-shooting songster, a wannabe bank robber, two weary traveling performers, a lone gold prospector, a woman traveling the West to an uncertain future, and a motley crew of strangers undertaking a carriage ride.
Rated R • 2018 • 2h 12m
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is an anthology of six Western tales that carry an R rating primarily due to sudden, intense, and occasionally bloody violence. While the film features dark humor and stylized storytelling, it frequently depicts shootings, hangings, and grim, fatal outcomes for many characters. Parents should be aware of themes involving death and existential dread, as most vignettes end on somber or abrupt notes. The film… Sign up for the full guide
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Is The Ballad of Buster Scruggs appropriate for kids?
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is an anthology of six Western tales that carry an R rating primarily due to sudden, intense, and occasionally bloody violence. While the film features dark humor and stylized storytelling, it frequently depicts shootings, hangings, and grim, fatal… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
What happens in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, moment by moment
- 0:12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:28 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 0:35 💬 Language 3/10
Sex and nudity in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
A man visits a brothel, but the encounter is only briefly implied and involves no nudity or explicit activity.
Violence and gore in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
The film contains frequent and often brutal violence, including sudden shootouts, fatal hangings, and scalping. Key moments involve fingers being shot off, a character accidentally shooting themselves, and recurring gunfire throughout the various vignettes.
Language in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
Profanity is limited but present, including a few uses of 'damn', 'shit', and 'tit' used in the context of the Old West setting.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
There is occasional depiction of drinking in saloons, with some characters arguing over whiskey consumption.
Mature themes in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
The film is characterized by a pervasive sense of mortality and cynicism, as most stories conclude with the death or total misfortune of the central characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Ballad of Buster Scruggs appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is an anthology of six Western tales that carry an R rating primarily due to sudden, intense, and occasionally bloody violence. While the film features dark humor and stylized storytelling…
What age rating does The Ballad of Buster Scruggs have?
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is The Ballad of Buster Scruggs about?
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is an anthology of six Western tales that carry an R rating primarily due to sudden, intense, and occasionally bloody violence. While the film features dark humor and stylized storytelling, it frequently depicts shootings, hangings, and grim, fatal outcomes for many characters. Parents…
Is there sex or nudity in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs?
A man visits a brothel, but the encounter is only briefly implied and involves no nudity or explicit activity.
How violent is The Ballad of Buster Scruggs?
The film contains frequent and often brutal violence, including sudden shootouts, fatal hangings, and scalping. Key moments involve fingers being shot off, a character accidentally shooting themselves, and recurring gunfire throughout the various vignettes.
Is the language in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs appropriate for kids?
Profanity is limited but present, including a few uses of 'damn', 'shit', and 'tit' used in the context of the Old West setting.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs?
There is occasional depiction of drinking in saloons, with some characters arguing over whiskey consumption.
What mature themes appear in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs?
The film is characterized by a pervasive sense of mortality and cynicism, as most stories conclude with the death or total misfortune of the central characters.
How long is The Ballad of Buster Scruggs?
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs runs 132 minutes, directed by Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, released in 2018.
Where can I read the full The Ballad of Buster Scruggs 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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