Poster for The Beales of Grey Gardens

The Beales of Grey Gardens (2006) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Mother and daughter - Big Edie and Little Edie Beale - live with six cats in a crumbling house in East Hampton. Little Edie, in her 50s, who wears scarves and bright colors, sings, mugs for the camera, and talks to Al and David Maysles, the filmmakers. Big Edie, in her 70s, recites poetry, comments on her daughter's behavior, and sings "If I Loved You" in fine voice. She talks in short sentences; her daughter in volumes. The film is episodic: friends visit, there's a small fire in the house, Little Edie goes to the shore and swims… Sign up for the full guide

Rated NR • 2006 • 1h 31m

7.3
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
13+

This documentary, compiled from unused footage from the 1975 film "Grey Gardens," is an intimate portrait of mother-daughter recluses "Big Edie" and "Little Edie" Beale. The film is unrated, but its content concerns are entirely thematic, containing no violence, sex, or significant profanity. Parents should be aware of the mature and sometimes unsettling themes, including mental health issues, extreme poverty, family dysfunction, and… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Edith Bouvier Beale
Edith Bouvier Beale
Albert Maysles
Albert Maysles
David Maysles
David Maysles
Jerry Torre
Jerry Torre
LW
Lois Wright
Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale
Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale
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Is The Beales of Grey Gardens appropriate for kids?

This documentary, compiled from unused footage from the 1975 film "Grey Gardens," is an intimate portrait of mother-daughter recluses "Big Edie" and "Little Edie" Beale. The film is unrated, but its content concerns are entirely thematic, containing no violence, sex, or… Read more — free account

Content severity in The Beales of Grey Gardens

Sex None 0/10
Violence None 0/10
Language Mild 2/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in The Beales of Grey Gardens, moment by moment

  1. 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
  2. 0:15 🍷 Substances 2/10
  3. 0:23 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
Unlock all 10 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in The Beales of Grey Gardens

None. Sexual content is not present in the film.

Violence and gore in The Beales of Grey Gardens

None. There are no acts of violence. A small house fire is briefly mentioned, but it is presented as a past event without any frightening or perilous depiction.

Language in The Beales of Grey Gardens

Very mild and infrequent. Any language is limited to occasional, minor exclamations used in conversation and is not a notable feature of the film.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Beales of Grey Gardens

Some incidental substance use is present. Characters are occasionally seen smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol in their home, which is portrayed matter-of-factly and reflects the time period.

Mature themes in The Beales of Grey Gardens

The film's content is driven by strong, mature themes. It is a raw look at social isolation, codependency, and the effects of aging in poverty. The subjects' mental and emotional states are a central focus, and their dilapidated, unsanitary living conditions are shown explicitly, which can be unsettling. The complex, often argumentative dynamic between mother and daughter is a constant presence.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Beales of Grey Gardens appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Beales of Grey Gardens is best for ages 13+. It's rated NR. This documentary, compiled from unused footage from the 1975 film "Grey Gardens," is an intimate portrait of mother-daughter recluses "Big Edie" and "Little Edie" Beale. The film is unrated, but its content concerns are…

What age rating does The Beales of Grey Gardens have?

The Beales of Grey Gardens is officially rated NR. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is The Beales of Grey Gardens about?

This documentary, compiled from unused footage from the 1975 film "Grey Gardens," is an intimate portrait of mother-daughter recluses "Big Edie" and "Little Edie" Beale. The film is unrated, but its content concerns are entirely thematic, containing no violence, sex, or significant profanity. Parents should be aware…

Is there sex or nudity in The Beales of Grey Gardens?

None. Sexual content is not present in the film.

How violent is The Beales of Grey Gardens?

None. There are no acts of violence. A small house fire is briefly mentioned, but it is presented as a past event without any frightening or perilous depiction.

Is the language in The Beales of Grey Gardens appropriate for kids?

Very mild and infrequent. Any language is limited to occasional, minor exclamations used in conversation and is not a notable feature of the film.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Beales of Grey Gardens?

Some incidental substance use is present. Characters are occasionally seen smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol in their home, which is portrayed matter-of-factly and reflects the time period.

What mature themes appear in The Beales of Grey Gardens?

The film's content is driven by strong, mature themes. It is a raw look at social isolation, codependency, and the effects of aging in poverty. The subjects' mental and emotional states are a central focus, and their dilapidated, unsanitary living conditions…

How long is The Beales of Grey Gardens?

The Beales of Grey Gardens runs 91 minutes, directed by David Maysles, Albert Maysles, released in 2006.

Where can I read the full The Beales of Grey Gardens parent guide?

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