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The Last Exorcism (2010) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

After years of performing “exorcisms” and taking believers’ money, Reverend Marcus travels to rural Louisiana with a film crew so he can dispel what he believes is the myth of demonic possession. The dynamic reverend is certain that this will be another routine “exorcism” on a disturbed religious fanatic but instead comes upon the blood-soaked farm of the Sweetzer family and a true evil he would have never thought imaginable.

Rated PG-13 • 2010 • 1h 27m

5.7
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Age
13+

The Last Exorcism follows disgraced preacher Cotton Marcus as he and a documentary crew travel to the Sweetzer farmhouse to investigate Nell Sweetzer. The film is PG-13 mainly for disturbing violent content and sustained terror — notable moments include animal cruelty (a cat beaten to death), graphic farm gore, a decapitation, and a final cult childbirth/burning sequence. There are also sexual references and brief partial nudity (a… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Patrick Fabian
Patrick Fabian
Ashley Bell
Ashley Bell
Iris Bahr
Iris Bahr
Louis Herthum
Louis Herthum
Caleb Landry Jones
Caleb Landry Jones
Tony Bentley
Tony Bentley
Shanna Forrestall
Shanna Forrestall
JS
Justin Shafer
Carol Sutton
Carol Sutton
Victoria Patenaude
Victoria Patenaude
John Wilmot
John Wilmot
BF
Becky Fly
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Is The Last Exorcism appropriate for kids?

The Last Exorcism follows disgraced preacher Cotton Marcus as he and a documentary crew travel to the Sweetzer farmhouse to investigate Nell Sweetzer. The film is PG-13 mainly for disturbing violent content and sustained terror — notable moments include animal cruelty (a cat… Read more — free account

Content severity in The Last Exorcism

Sex Moderate 3/10
Violence Intense 8/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Intense 8/10

What happens in The Last Exorcism, moment by moment

  1. 0:03 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
  2. 0:12 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
  3. 0:18 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
Unlock all 14 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in The Last Exorcism

Brief sexual references and one instance of partial non-explicit nudity. Nell is described as pregnant and a scene includes her removing a nightgown (bare back to the waist); during the exorcism a crude sexual term is spoken. IMDb Parents Guide notes the sexual references and the pregnancy storyline.

Violence and gore in The Last Exorcism

Strong and at times graphic violence appears throughout, especially in the film's second half. Verified highlights (IMDb Parents Guide/Wikipedia) include a cat beaten to death on camera, a dead cow with exposed entrails, a boy with a deep gash to his cheek, a chained girl who bends/breaks her fingers and twists her neck, an off-screen but audible axe murder, and a decapitation. These are presented with realistic sound design and occasional on-screen blood.

Language in The Last Exorcism

Mild overall: a few crude sexual references and some mild obscenities are used. The most notable example is the exorcism sequence where the term 'blow job' (spoken twice, once incorrectly) is used; there are also some religious exclamations and name-calling. IMDb Parents Guide catalogues these as minor.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Last Exorcism

Minor: brief references to prescription medication (Halcyon) and a man drinking alcohol to cope with grief. No extended drug use scenes or glamorized substance use are shown.

Mature themes in The Last Exorcism

Strong, disturbing themes include demonic possession, a secretive hooded cult, implied sexual abuse/teen pregnancy, human sacrifice and loss of faith. The film culminates in a ritual childbirth and burning that pushes the movie into intense territory; IMDb Parents Guide flags the final 10 minutes as especially severe. Expect heavy religious and existential material.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Last Exorcism appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Last Exorcism is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. The Last Exorcism follows disgraced preacher Cotton Marcus as he and a documentary crew travel to the Sweetzer farmhouse to investigate Nell Sweetzer. The film is PG-13 mainly for disturbing violent content and…

What age rating does The Last Exorcism have?

The Last Exorcism is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is The Last Exorcism about?

The Last Exorcism follows disgraced preacher Cotton Marcus as he and a documentary crew travel to the Sweetzer farmhouse to investigate Nell Sweetzer. The film is PG-13 mainly for disturbing violent content and sustained terror — notable moments include animal cruelty (a cat beaten to death), graphic farm gore, a…

Is there sex or nudity in The Last Exorcism?

Brief sexual references and one instance of partial non-explicit nudity. Nell is described as pregnant and a scene includes her removing a nightgown (bare back to the waist); during the exorcism a crude sexual term is spoken. IMDb Parents Guide notes the…

How violent is The Last Exorcism?

Strong and at times graphic violence appears throughout, especially in the film's second half. Verified highlights (IMDb Parents Guide/Wikipedia) include a cat beaten to death on camera, a dead cow with exposed entrails, a boy with a deep gash to his cheek, a…

Is the language in The Last Exorcism appropriate for kids?

Mild overall: a few crude sexual references and some mild obscenities are used. The most notable example is the exorcism sequence where the term 'blow job' (spoken twice, once incorrectly) is used; there are also some religious exclamations and name-calling…

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Last Exorcism?

Minor: brief references to prescription medication (Halcyon) and a man drinking alcohol to cope with grief. No extended drug use scenes or glamorized substance use are shown.

What mature themes appear in The Last Exorcism?

Strong, disturbing themes include demonic possession, a secretive hooded cult, implied sexual abuse/teen pregnancy, human sacrifice and loss of faith. The film culminates in a ritual childbirth and burning that pushes the movie into intense territory; IMDb…

How long is The Last Exorcism?

The Last Exorcism runs 87 minutes, directed by Daniel Stamm, released in 2010.

Where can I read the full The Last Exorcism parent guide?

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