The Cold Light of Day (2012) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
After his family is kidnapped during their sailing trip in Spain, a young Wall Street trader is confronted by the people responsible: intelligence agents looking to recover a mysterious briefcase.
Rated PG-13 • 2012 • 1h 33m
The Cold Light of Day is a fast-paced thriller rated PG-13 primarily for its consistent action violence and some language. The plot follows Will Shaw, whose family is kidnapped while on vacation, forcing him into a world of espionage and danger in Spain. Parents should be aware of frequent gun violence, including the on-screen deaths of several characters, a tense torture scene, and a bloody wound cauterization. The language includes… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Cold Light of Day appropriate for kids?
The Cold Light of Day is a fast-paced thriller rated PG-13 primarily for its consistent action violence and some language. The plot follows Will Shaw, whose family is kidnapped while on vacation, forcing him into a world of espionage and danger in Spain. Parents should be aware… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Cold Light of Day
What happens in The Cold Light of Day, moment by moment
- 0:07 🍷 Substances 1/10
- 0:10 ⚔ Violence & Gore 2/10
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
Sex and nudity in The Cold Light of Day
Sexual content is very light. There is a brief, non-passionate kiss between two main characters. Some scenes feature women in bikinis on a boat and at a beach, and men are seen shirtless. There is no nudity or sexual dialogue.
Violence and gore in The Cold Light of Day
Violence is frequent and a core part of the plot, though it is not excessively graphic. The film contains multiple shootings, fistfights, and intense chases. Key moments include a main character being assassinated by a sniper, another character being shot and having the wound graphically cauterized with a hot knife, and a brief but intense torture scene involving punches and near-drowning. A long and destructive car chase results in multiple crashes and at least one on-screen death.
Language in The Cold Light of Day
The film contains one use of "f--k". Other language includes multiple uses of "s--t", "bitch", "hell", and "goddamn". The profanity is infrequent but includes the one strong expletive.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Cold Light of Day
Substance use is minor. Characters are shown drinking wine during a family meal at the beginning of the film. Characters also drink socially in a nightclub setting.
Mature themes in The Cold Light of Day
The film deals with several mature and intense themes. The central plot revolves around the kidnapping of an entire family, who are held hostage and threatened. The protagonist witnesses his father's sudden murder. Themes of betrayal, secret lives, and government corruption are prominent throughout the story as Will uncovers his father's CIA past.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Cold Light of Day appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Cold Light of Day is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. The Cold Light of Day is a fast-paced thriller rated PG-13 primarily for its consistent action violence and some language. The plot follows Will Shaw, whose family is kidnapped while on vacation, forcing him into a…
What age rating does The Cold Light of Day have?
The Cold Light of Day is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Cold Light of Day about?
The Cold Light of Day is a fast-paced thriller rated PG-13 primarily for its consistent action violence and some language. The plot follows Will Shaw, whose family is kidnapped while on vacation, forcing him into a world of espionage and danger in Spain. Parents should be aware of frequent gun violence, including the…
Is there sex or nudity in The Cold Light of Day?
Sexual content is very light. There is a brief, non-passionate kiss between two main characters. Some scenes feature women in bikinis on a boat and at a beach, and men are seen shirtless. There is no nudity or sexual dialogue.
How violent is The Cold Light of Day?
Violence is frequent and a core part of the plot, though it is not excessively graphic. The film contains multiple shootings, fistfights, and intense chases. Key moments include a main character being assassinated by a sniper, another character being shot and…
Is the language in The Cold Light of Day appropriate for kids?
The film contains one use of "f--k". Other language includes multiple uses of "s--t", "bitch", "hell", and "goddamn". The profanity is infrequent but includes the one strong expletive.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Cold Light of Day?
Substance use is minor. Characters are shown drinking wine during a family meal at the beginning of the film. Characters also drink socially in a nightclub setting.
What mature themes appear in The Cold Light of Day?
The film deals with several mature and intense themes. The central plot revolves around the kidnapping of an entire family, who are held hostage and threatened. The protagonist witnesses his father's sudden murder. Themes of betrayal, secret lives, and…
How long is The Cold Light of Day?
The Cold Light of Day runs 93 minutes, directed by Mabrouk El Mechri, released in 2012.
Where can I read the full The Cold Light of Day parent guide?
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