The Swimmers (2022) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
From war-torn Syria to the 2016 Rio Olympics, two young sisters embark on a risky voyage, putting their hearts and their swimming skills to heroic use.
Rated PG-13 • 2022 • 2h 14m
Based on the harrowing true story of sisters Yusra and Sara Mardini, "The Swimmers" chronicles their escape from war-torn Syria and journey to the 2016 Rio Olympics. The film earned its PG-13 rating for strong thematic material, intense sequences of peril, and a scene of sexual assault. Parents should be aware of several distressing scenes, including a missile strike near a swimming pool, a life-threatening sea crossing where refugees… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Swimmers appropriate for kids?
Based on the harrowing true story of sisters Yusra and Sara Mardini, "The Swimmers" chronicles their escape from war-torn Syria and journey to the 2016 Rio Olympics. The film earned its PG-13 rating for strong thematic material, intense sequences of peril, and a scene of sexual… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Swimmers
What happens in The Swimmers, moment by moment
- 0:05 🍷 Substances 3/10
- 0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:16 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
Sex and nudity in The Swimmers
A single but significant scene of sexual assault occurs without nudity: at a checkpoint, a soldier frisks and then deliberately gropes Yusra's and then Sara's breasts. The moment is tense and disturbing but not prolonged or graphic. Beyond this scene, there is no other sexual content.
Violence and gore in The Swimmers
Violence is mostly related to the perils of the Syrian war and the refugee journey. A very intense scene depicts a missile striking near a swimming pool, sending debris flying and causing panic; an unexploded bomb then falls into the water. The sisters' sea crossing is fraught with peril, showing their overcrowded dinghy taking on water and the motor failing, forcing them to swim for hours in rough seas. A brief but disturbing image of a bloodied child victim of the war is shown on a TV news report.
Language in The Swimmers
Strong language is used sparingly but includes at least one use of 'f--k'. Milder profanity such as 's--t' and 'ass' can also be heard in moments of high stress or frustration.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Swimmers
Substance use is mild and incidental. Characters are shown smoking cigarettes socially on a few occasions, and one character briefly smokes from a pipe at the beginning of the movie. There is also some social drinking of beer and wine at parties in a European setting.
Mature themes in The Swimmers
The film deals with intense and mature themes centered on the refugee crisis, the trauma of war, and survival. It unflinchingly depicts the terror of living in a war zone, the anguish of family separation, and the life-threatening dangers refugees face. Themes of PTSD, survivor's guilt, and the psychological toll of the journey are present. The film also contains a non-graphic depiction of sexual assault and its emotional aftermath.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Swimmers appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Swimmers is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Based on the harrowing true story of sisters Yusra and Sara Mardini, "The Swimmers" chronicles their escape from war-torn Syria and journey to the 2016 Rio Olympics. The film earned its PG-13 rating for strong thematic…
What age rating does The Swimmers have?
The Swimmers is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Swimmers about?
Based on the harrowing true story of sisters Yusra and Sara Mardini, "The Swimmers" chronicles their escape from war-torn Syria and journey to the 2016 Rio Olympics. The film earned its PG-13 rating for strong thematic material, intense sequences of peril, and a scene of sexual assault. Parents should be aware of…
Is there sex or nudity in The Swimmers?
A single but significant scene of sexual assault occurs without nudity: at a checkpoint, a soldier frisks and then deliberately gropes Yusra's and then Sara's breasts. The moment is tense and disturbing but not prolonged or graphic. Beyond this scene, there…
How violent is The Swimmers?
Violence is mostly related to the perils of the Syrian war and the refugee journey. A very intense scene depicts a missile striking near a swimming pool, sending debris flying and causing panic; an unexploded bomb then falls into the water. The sisters' sea…
Is the language in The Swimmers appropriate for kids?
Strong language is used sparingly but includes at least one use of 'f--k'. Milder profanity such as 's--t' and 'ass' can also be heard in moments of high stress or frustration.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Swimmers?
Substance use is mild and incidental. Characters are shown smoking cigarettes socially on a few occasions, and one character briefly smokes from a pipe at the beginning of the movie. There is also some social drinking of beer and wine at parties in a European…
What mature themes appear in The Swimmers?
The film deals with intense and mature themes centered on the refugee crisis, the trauma of war, and survival. It unflinchingly depicts the terror of living in a war zone, the anguish of family separation, and the life-threatening dangers refugees face…
How long is The Swimmers?
The Swimmers runs 134 minutes, directed by Sally El Hosaini, released in 2022.
Where can I read the full The Swimmers parent guide?
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