The Master (2012) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Freddie, a volatile, heavy-drinking veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, finds some semblance of a family when he stumbles onto the ship of Lancaster Dodd, the charismatic leader of a new "religion" he forms after World War II.
Rated R • 2012 • 2h 17m
The Master explores the turbulent, codependent relationship between a traumatized WWII veteran named Freddie Quell and Lancaster Dodd, the leader of a burgeoning philosophical cult. The film is rated R primarily for its pervasive, unvarnished depiction of substance abuse, explicit sexual content, and mature themes surrounding psychological manipulation and trauma. Viewers should be aware of scenes involving full-frontal nudity… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Master appropriate for kids?
The Master explores the turbulent, codependent relationship between a traumatized WWII veteran named Freddie Quell and Lancaster Dodd, the leader of a burgeoning philosophical cult. The film is rated R primarily for its pervasive, unvarnished depiction of substance abuse… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Master
What happens in The Master, moment by moment
- 0:05 ♥ Sex & Nudity 8/10
- 0:12 🍷 Substances 8/10
- 0:28 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
Sex and nudity in The Master
The film contains frequent and explicit sexual content, including full-frontal nudity, graphic descriptions, and sexual acts. Specific scenes include a woman performing a handjob on the leader, intimate encounters with nudity, and sequences involving crude sexual language during psychological exercises.
Violence and gore in The Master
Violence is moderate and stems primarily from the protagonist's unpredictable outbursts. While it is not a gore-heavy film, scenes include bar fights, property destruction, and a violent altercation in a jail cell. Much of the conflict is visceral and unsettling rather than bloody.
Language in The Master
Strong and frequent profanity is used throughout the film, including multiple uses of 'f*ck,' 'c*nt,' and other derogatory sexual terms. The language is often used to establish the gritty, unstable nature of the protagonist.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Master
Substance abuse is a pervasive and central theme. Freddie constantly manufactures and consumes highly dangerous, homemade alcoholic concoctions made from industrial solvents and various pills. The film offers a stark, non-judgmental look at the physical and psychological toll of chronic alcoholism.
Mature themes in The Master
The narrative deals with heavy, mature subject matter, including PTSD, the manipulation inherent in cult-like religious movements, and the struggle for personal identity after war. It explores the toxic reliance of a lost individual on a charismatic, potentially fraudulent mentor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Master appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Master is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. The Master explores the turbulent, codependent relationship between a traumatized WWII veteran named Freddie Quell and Lancaster Dodd, the leader of a burgeoning philosophical cult. The film is rated R primarily for its…
What age rating does The Master have?
The Master is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is The Master about?
The Master explores the turbulent, codependent relationship between a traumatized WWII veteran named Freddie Quell and Lancaster Dodd, the leader of a burgeoning philosophical cult. The film is rated R primarily for its pervasive, unvarnished depiction of substance abuse, explicit sexual content, and mature themes…
Is there sex or nudity in The Master?
The film contains frequent and explicit sexual content, including full-frontal nudity, graphic descriptions, and sexual acts. Specific scenes include a woman performing a handjob on the leader, intimate encounters with nudity, and sequences involving crude…
How violent is The Master?
Violence is moderate and stems primarily from the protagonist's unpredictable outbursts. While it is not a gore-heavy film, scenes include bar fights, property destruction, and a violent altercation in a jail cell. Much of the conflict is visceral and…
Is the language in The Master appropriate for kids?
Strong and frequent profanity is used throughout the film, including multiple uses of 'f*ck,' 'c*nt,' and other derogatory sexual terms. The language is often used to establish the gritty, unstable nature of the protagonist.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Master?
Substance abuse is a pervasive and central theme. Freddie constantly manufactures and consumes highly dangerous, homemade alcoholic concoctions made from industrial solvents and various pills. The film offers a stark, non-judgmental look at the physical and…
What mature themes appear in The Master?
The narrative deals with heavy, mature subject matter, including PTSD, the manipulation inherent in cult-like religious movements, and the struggle for personal identity after war. It explores the toxic reliance of a lost individual on a charismatic…
How long is The Master?
The Master runs 137 minutes, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, released in 2012.
Where can I read the full The Master parent guide?
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