Poster for Unlocking Sherlock

Unlocking Sherlock (2014) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Explore how writers Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss created the hit television sensation. Take a personal voyage through the versions of Holmes that have served as inspirations for the new series - the original stories, their factual origins, hundreds of film adaptations - to arrive at their thoroughly modern Sherlock. Moffat and Gatiss explain the challenges they encountered adapting the original adventures of the iconic super-sleuth. Go behind the scenes on the set of the hit television series, including interviews with actors… Sign up for the full guide

Rated NR • 2014 • 1h 0m

7.9
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
13+

This behind-the-scenes documentary explores the making of the BBC series "Sherlock." It is unrated but its content mirrors the TV-14 rating of the show it covers, making it most appropriate for teens and adults. The film's rating is driven by discussions and clips from the series that include moderate violence (shootings, fights), complex mature themes (suicide, murder, psychopathy), and brief discussions of sexuality and drug… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Benedict Cumberbatch
Benedict Cumberbatch
Martin Freeman
Martin Freeman
Steven Moffat
Steven Moffat
Mark Gatiss
Mark Gatiss
Andrew Scott
Andrew Scott
Lara Pulver
Lara Pulver
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Is Unlocking Sherlock appropriate for kids?

This behind-the-scenes documentary explores the making of the BBC series "Sherlock." It is unrated but its content mirrors the TV-14 rating of the show it covers, making it most appropriate for teens and adults. The film's rating is driven by discussions and clips from the… Read more — free account

Content severity in Unlocking Sherlock

Sex Moderate 3/10
Violence Strong 5/10
Language Mild 2/10
Substances Moderate 4/10
Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in Unlocking Sherlock, moment by moment

  1. 0:06 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
  2. 0:12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
  3. 0:18 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
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Sex and nudity in Unlocking Sherlock

Contains a brief discussion of sexuality related to the character Irene Adler, who is a dominatrix. The focus is on the character's use of sexuality as a form of power, and a very brief, non-explicit clip from the show where she appears nude (with strategic camera angles) may be shown.

Violence and gore in Unlocking Sherlock

Clips from the television series "Sherlock" contain moderate but brief violence. This includes characters being shot, fistfights, and scenes of peril. A key plot point involving a character's faked suicide by jumping from a building is discussed and shown. The violence is not graphic, as it is presented within the context of a making-of documentary.

Language in Unlocking Sherlock

Light and infrequent use of profanity may be heard in clips from the show. Expect mild terms like 'hell' and 'damn'. Stronger language is not a concern.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Unlocking Sherlock

The documentary discusses Sherlock Holmes's historical drug use (cocaine in the original books) and the show's adaptation of this trait into a struggle with addiction, often represented by nicotine patches. These are discussions of theme rather than depictions of use.

Mature themes in Unlocking Sherlock

The primary focus is on mature thematic content inherent to the "Sherlock" series. The documentary explores complex themes of murder, psychopathy, manipulation, and suicide through interviews and clips. The antagonistic relationship between Sherlock and Moriarty, and the psychological toll of Sherlock's genius, are central topics.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Unlocking Sherlock appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Unlocking Sherlock is best for ages 13+. It's rated NR. This behind-the-scenes documentary explores the making of the BBC series "Sherlock." It is unrated but its content mirrors the TV-14 rating of the show it covers, making it most appropriate for teens and adults. The…

What age rating does Unlocking Sherlock have?

Unlocking Sherlock is officially rated NR. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Unlocking Sherlock about?

This behind-the-scenes documentary explores the making of the BBC series "Sherlock." It is unrated but its content mirrors the TV-14 rating of the show it covers, making it most appropriate for teens and adults. The film's rating is driven by discussions and clips from the series that include moderate violence…

Is there sex or nudity in Unlocking Sherlock?

Contains a brief discussion of sexuality related to the character Irene Adler, who is a dominatrix. The focus is on the character's use of sexuality as a form of power, and a very brief, non-explicit clip from the show where she appears nude (with strategic…

How violent is Unlocking Sherlock?

Clips from the television series "Sherlock" contain moderate but brief violence. This includes characters being shot, fistfights, and scenes of peril. A key plot point involving a character's faked suicide by jumping from a building is discussed and shown…

Is the language in Unlocking Sherlock appropriate for kids?

Light and infrequent use of profanity may be heard in clips from the show. Expect mild terms like 'hell' and 'damn'. Stronger language is not a concern.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Unlocking Sherlock?

The documentary discusses Sherlock Holmes's historical drug use (cocaine in the original books) and the show's adaptation of this trait into a struggle with addiction, often represented by nicotine patches. These are discussions of theme rather than…

What mature themes appear in Unlocking Sherlock?

The primary focus is on mature thematic content inherent to the "Sherlock" series. The documentary explores complex themes of murder, psychopathy, manipulation, and suicide through interviews and clips. The antagonistic relationship between Sherlock and…

How long is Unlocking Sherlock?

Unlocking Sherlock runs 60 minutes, directed by Susannah Ward, released in 2014.

Where can I read the full Unlocking Sherlock parent guide?

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