The Boy (2016) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A young American woman takes a job as a nanny in a remote English village, soon discovering that the family's eight-year-old son is a life-sized doll that comes with a list of strict rules.
Rated PG-13 • 2016 • 1h 38m
This PG-13 horror film follows Greta, a young woman who takes a nannying job in a remote English manor, only to discover her charge is a life-sized porcelain doll named Brahms. The film earns its rating primarily through sustained psychological terror, numerous jump scares, and a violent final act. Parents should be aware of several stabbings with some bloody results, disturbing thematic material including suicide and the lingering… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Boy appropriate for kids?
This PG-13 horror film follows Greta, a young woman who takes a nannying job in a remote English manor, only to discover her charge is a life-sized porcelain doll named Brahms. The film earns its rating primarily through sustained psychological terror, numerous jump scares, and… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Boy
What happens in The Boy, moment by moment
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:25 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
Sex and nudity in The Boy
Content is very mild. One scene shows the main character from the shoulders up in a shower, and her bare legs are visible. She is also briefly seen wearing a towel. Two characters share a couple of brief, romantic kisses. There is no nudity or sexual activity.
Violence and gore in The Boy
For most of its runtime, the film relies on suspense over violence. However, the final 20 minutes contain several strong, bloody moments. A character angrily smashes a porcelain doll. This is immediately followed by a shocking murder where a man is stabbed in the neck with a porcelain shard. Another character is knocked unconscious. The climax involves a tense struggle with choking and two stabbings with a screwdriver, with some blood shown on the victim.
Language in The Boy
Profanity is infrequent and mild, concentrated in the final act during moments of terror and distress. Language includes a few uses of "shit" and one instance of "son of a bitch."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Boy
Substance use is minimal. The main characters are shown sharing a bottle of wine during a meal. In one conversation, it is mentioned that an elderly character used to get drunk to cope with grief, but this is not depicted.
Mature themes in The Boy
The film explores several mature and disturbing themes. The central plot revolves around profound parental grief and delusion following the death of a child. It is revealed that Greta fled an abusive ex-boyfriend, and thematic elements of domestic violence are present. A key plot point involves characters committing suicide by drowning, which is discussed and confirmed via a letter. The history of the house includes an unsolved child murder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Boy appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Boy is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This PG-13 horror film follows Greta, a young woman who takes a nannying job in a remote English manor, only to discover her charge is a life-sized porcelain doll named Brahms. The film earns its rating primarily…
What age rating does The Boy have?
The Boy is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Boy about?
This PG-13 horror film follows Greta, a young woman who takes a nannying job in a remote English manor, only to discover her charge is a life-sized porcelain doll named Brahms. The film earns its rating primarily through sustained psychological terror, numerous jump scares, and a violent final act. Parents should be…
Is there sex or nudity in The Boy?
Content is very mild. One scene shows the main character from the shoulders up in a shower, and her bare legs are visible. She is also briefly seen wearing a towel. Two characters share a couple of brief, romantic kisses. There is no nudity or sexual activity.
How violent is The Boy?
For most of its runtime, the film relies on suspense over violence. However, the final 20 minutes contain several strong, bloody moments. A character angrily smashes a porcelain doll. This is immediately followed by a shocking murder where a man is stabbed in…
Is the language in The Boy appropriate for kids?
Profanity is infrequent and mild, concentrated in the final act during moments of terror and distress. Language includes a few uses of "shit" and one instance of "son of a bitch."
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Boy?
Substance use is minimal. The main characters are shown sharing a bottle of wine during a meal. In one conversation, it is mentioned that an elderly character used to get drunk to cope with grief, but this is not depicted.
What mature themes appear in The Boy?
The film explores several mature and disturbing themes. The central plot revolves around profound parental grief and delusion following the death of a child. It is revealed that Greta fled an abusive ex-boyfriend, and thematic elements of domestic violence…
How long is The Boy?
The Boy runs 98 minutes, directed by William Brent Bell, released in 2016.
Where can I read the full The Boy 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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