Wild Child (2008) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Sixteen-year-old Poppy has everything her unlimited credit cards can buy, and a spoiled attitude to match. After a final thoughtless prank, her exasperated father ships her off to boarding school in England. There, Poppy meets her match in a stern headmistress and a class full of girls who will not tolerate her selfishness.
Rated PG-13 • 2008 • 1h 38m
This teen comedy earns its PG-13 rating for frequent suggestive content, language, and mature themes. The film follows spoiled Malibu teen Poppy Moore as she is sent to a strict English boarding school. Parents should be aware of moderate profanity (including "shit," "bitch," and "whore"), consistent sexual innuendo and dialogue about teens' sexual histories (using slang like "shagged"), and thematic material involving bullying… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Wild Child appropriate for kids?
This teen comedy earns its PG-13 rating for frequent suggestive content, language, and mature themes. The film follows spoiled Malibu teen Poppy Moore as she is sent to a strict English boarding school. Parents should be aware of moderate profanity (including "shit," "bitch,"… Read more — free account
Content severity in Wild Child
What happens in Wild Child, moment by moment
- 0:02 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
- 0:03 💬 Language 4/10
- 0:10 ♥ Sex & Nudity 4/10
Sex and nudity in Wild Child
Contains moderate innuendo and suggestive dialogue. Characters discuss sexual experience using slang (e.g., asking how many boys someone has "shagged"), and a girl comments on wanting an outfit that looks "slutty and available." A character's phone number is posted on a sex chat line flyer as a prank. There are a few on-screen kisses between teenagers. Derogatory terms like "slut" and "whore" are used as insults. No nudity or depicted sexual activity is present.
Violence and gore in Wild Child
Violence is infrequent and mostly mild or comical. At the start of the film, Poppy performs a destructive prank, ruining many items of clothing and furniture. During a lacrosse match, two rivals briefly hit each other with their sticks before being separated. The most intense sequence involves a fire accidentally started in the school; a character is briefly trapped in a freezer during the fire, creating a scene of peril before she is rescued unharmed.
Language in Wild Child
Moderate profanity is used throughout. The MPAA rating cites coarse language, and sources note multiple uses of words like "shit" (the first word of the film), "ass," "bitch," "hell," and British slang like "bloody." Derogatory and sexual insults such as "slut" and "whore" appear, as well as an instance of "retard." The middle finger is also reportedly gestured.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Wild Child
Substance use is light and mostly implied. Poppy is seen playing with a cigarette lighter, which she accidentally uses to start a fire. In one scene, several girls are shown suffering from hangovers, clearly implying they drank alcohol off-screen, although the consumption itself is not depicted.
Mature themes in Wild Child
The film explores themes common to teen dramas, including intense bullying, social exclusion, and the pressure of cliques. Poppy is dealing with the death of her mother, which is discussed several times. Major plot points revolve around betrayal among friends, false accusations, and the threat of expulsion from school during an Honor Court trial. A central theme is arson, both accidental and deliberate, which fuels the film's climax.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wild Child appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Wild Child is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This teen comedy earns its PG-13 rating for frequent suggestive content, language, and mature themes. The film follows spoiled Malibu teen Poppy Moore as she is sent to a strict English boarding school. Parents should…
What age rating does Wild Child have?
Wild Child is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Wild Child about?
This teen comedy earns its PG-13 rating for frequent suggestive content, language, and mature themes. The film follows spoiled Malibu teen Poppy Moore as she is sent to a strict English boarding school. Parents should be aware of moderate profanity (including "shit," "bitch," and "whore"), consistent sexual innuendo…
Is there sex or nudity in Wild Child?
Contains moderate innuendo and suggestive dialogue. Characters discuss sexual experience using slang (e.g., asking how many boys someone has "shagged"), and a girl comments on wanting an outfit that looks "slutty and available." A character's phone number is…
How violent is Wild Child?
Violence is infrequent and mostly mild or comical. At the start of the film, Poppy performs a destructive prank, ruining many items of clothing and furniture. During a lacrosse match, two rivals briefly hit each other with their sticks before being separated…
Is the language in Wild Child appropriate for kids?
Moderate profanity is used throughout. The MPAA rating cites coarse language, and sources note multiple uses of words like "shit" (the first word of the film), "ass," "bitch," "hell," and British slang like "bloody." Derogatory and sexual insults such as…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Wild Child?
Substance use is light and mostly implied. Poppy is seen playing with a cigarette lighter, which she accidentally uses to start a fire. In one scene, several girls are shown suffering from hangovers, clearly implying they drank alcohol off-screen, although…
What mature themes appear in Wild Child?
The film explores themes common to teen dramas, including intense bullying, social exclusion, and the pressure of cliques. Poppy is dealing with the death of her mother, which is discussed several times. Major plot points revolve around betrayal among…
How long is Wild Child?
Wild Child runs 98 minutes, directed by Nick Moore, released in 2008.
Where can I read the full Wild Child parent guide?
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