What's in a Name (2012) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Vincent, a wealthy real estate agent, is invited to dinner by his sister Elizabeth and her husband Peter, both professors in Paris. Claude, a childhood friend and trombonist in a symphony orchestra, is also present. Vincent brings news from the prenatal examination of his and his wife Anna's unborn son. The name chosen by the soon-to-be parents strongly offends the others for many reasons. The dispute between the guests quickly escalates and before long the resurgence of old grudges and hidden secrets is unavoidable...
Rated 12 • 2012 • 1h 50m
What's in a Name? is a French dialogue-driven comedy-drama centered on an explosive dinner party. The film's content concerns for parents are rooted in its mature and intense thematic material, stemming from a provocative joke Vincent makes about naming his son "Adolphe." This sparks furious arguments, the airing of long-held resentments, and revelations of infidelity. While there is a brief moment of violence and some social drinking… Sign up for the full guide
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Is What's in a Name appropriate for kids?
What's in a Name? is a French dialogue-driven comedy-drama centered on an explosive dinner party. The film's content concerns for parents are rooted in its mature and intense thematic material, stemming from a provocative joke Vincent makes about naming his son "Adolphe." This… Read more — free account
Content severity in What's in a Name
What happens in What's in a Name, moment by moment
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
- 0:22 💬 Language 4/10
- 0:28 🍷 Substances 2/10
Sex and nudity in What's in a Name
Sexual content is mild. There are some sexual innuendos and jokes peppered throughout the adults' conversations, including questions about one character's sexuality. In one brief scene, a character imagines two people having sex, though no sensitive nudity is shown. A painting featuring a topless woman is also visible in the background of the apartment.
Violence and gore in What's in a Name
Violence is minimal and not graphic. The film contains one brief but shocking moment of violence where one character, in a state of shock, strikes another in the face. The act is sudden and emotionally charged rather than brutal. Separately, a character confesses to having killed a family pet in the distant past, which is discussed but not depicted.
Language in What's in a Name
Profanity is used occasionally throughout the film, primarily during the heated arguments that make up most of the runtime. The language includes insults and exclamations appropriate for the intense emotional conflicts, but it is not pervasive or extreme. Subtitles will reflect this with words like "hell" and "asshole."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in What's in a Name
Substance use is limited to social drinking in a dinner party context. The main characters drink wine throughout the evening with their meal. Near the end of the film, two characters share a bottle of rosé to diffuse tension. There is no depiction of drunkenness, smoking, or any drug use.
Mature themes in What's in a Name
The film is built on strong, mature themes centered on conflict and secrets. A key theme is the provocative use of historically charged names (Adolf Hitler), which ignites the central argument. The story explores deep-seated family resentments, emotional betrayal, hypocrisy, and the revelation of a secret romantic relationship between a man and his best friend's mother. Elisabeth's monologue about her sacrificed ambitions and Anna's threat of divorce add to the intense emotional weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is What's in a Name appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests What's in a Name is best for ages 13+. It's rated 12. What's in a Name? is a French dialogue-driven comedy-drama centered on an explosive dinner party. The film's content concerns for parents are rooted in its mature and intense thematic material, stemming from a…
What age rating does What's in a Name have?
What's in a Name is officially rated 12. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is What's in a Name about?
What's in a Name? is a French dialogue-driven comedy-drama centered on an explosive dinner party. The film's content concerns for parents are rooted in its mature and intense thematic material, stemming from a provocative joke Vincent makes about naming his son "Adolphe." This sparks furious arguments, the airing of…
Is there sex or nudity in What's in a Name?
Sexual content is mild. There are some sexual innuendos and jokes peppered throughout the adults' conversations, including questions about one character's sexuality. In one brief scene, a character imagines two people having sex, though no sensitive nudity is…
How violent is What's in a Name?
Violence is minimal and not graphic. The film contains one brief but shocking moment of violence where one character, in a state of shock, strikes another in the face. The act is sudden and emotionally charged rather than brutal. Separately, a character…
Is the language in What's in a Name appropriate for kids?
Profanity is used occasionally throughout the film, primarily during the heated arguments that make up most of the runtime. The language includes insults and exclamations appropriate for the intense emotional conflicts, but it is not pervasive or extreme…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in What's in a Name?
Substance use is limited to social drinking in a dinner party context. The main characters drink wine throughout the evening with their meal. Near the end of the film, two characters share a bottle of rosé to diffuse tension. There is no depiction of…
What mature themes appear in What's in a Name?
The film is built on strong, mature themes centered on conflict and secrets. A key theme is the provocative use of historically charged names (Adolf Hitler), which ignites the central argument. The story explores deep-seated family resentments, emotional…
How long is What's in a Name?
What's in a Name runs 110 minutes, directed by Alexandre de La Patellière, Matthieu Delaporte, released in 2012.
Where can I read the full What's in a Name parent guide?
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