Zero Dark Thirty (2012) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A chronicle of the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden after the September 2001 attacks, and his death at the hands of the Navy S.E.A.L. Team 6 in May, 2011.
Rated R • 2012 • 2h 37m
Zero Dark Thirty chronicles the decade-long, methodical CIA hunt for Osama bin Laden following the September 11 attacks, centering on the obsessive pursuit by analyst Maya. The film is rated R primarily for its unflinching depictions of black-site interrogation techniques and the raw, gritty violence of the eventual Navy SEAL raid on the Abbottabad compound. It contains pervasive strong language and intense, suspenseful sequences that… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Zero Dark Thirty appropriate for kids?
Zero Dark Thirty chronicles the decade-long, methodical CIA hunt for Osama bin Laden following the September 11 attacks, centering on the obsessive pursuit by analyst Maya. The film is rated R primarily for its unflinching depictions of black-site interrogation techniques and… Read more — free account
Content severity in Zero Dark Thirty
What happens in Zero Dark Thirty, moment by moment
- 0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 9/10
- 0:30 🍷 Substances 2/10
- 0:45 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
Sex and nudity in Zero Dark Thirty
Content is limited to brief, incidental moments. Characters are occasionally seen in clubs or wearing modest evening attire, and there is minor, coarse dialogue regarding personal lives and romantic histories.
Violence and gore in Zero Dark Thirty
The film features graphic, sustained depictions of torture during interrogations, including waterboarding and physical abuse. The final act contains intense, realistic combat, featuring frequent gunfire, close-range shootings, and the sight of blood and casualties.
Language in Zero Dark Thirty
Strong and pervasive. The script contains over 50 uses of 'f-word,' along with frequent instances of 'bitch,' 'ass,' and 'dick,' often used in high-stress operational contexts.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Zero Dark Thirty
Depicted in a realistic, incidental fashion. Characters are shown smoking cigarettes, drinking beer, and consuming wine at bars or social gatherings throughout the film.
Mature themes in Zero Dark Thirty
The film deals with heavy, mature subject matter, including the trauma of 9/11, the moral ambiguity of state-sanctioned torture, the loss of colleagues in war, and the psychological obsession required to complete such a long-term mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zero Dark Thirty appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Zero Dark Thirty is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. Zero Dark Thirty chronicles the decade-long, methodical CIA hunt for Osama bin Laden following the September 11 attacks, centering on the obsessive pursuit by analyst Maya. The film is rated R primarily for its…
What age rating does Zero Dark Thirty have?
Zero Dark Thirty is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is Zero Dark Thirty about?
Zero Dark Thirty chronicles the decade-long, methodical CIA hunt for Osama bin Laden following the September 11 attacks, centering on the obsessive pursuit by analyst Maya. The film is rated R primarily for its unflinching depictions of black-site interrogation techniques and the raw, gritty violence of the eventual…
Is there sex or nudity in Zero Dark Thirty?
Content is limited to brief, incidental moments. Characters are occasionally seen in clubs or wearing modest evening attire, and there is minor, coarse dialogue regarding personal lives and romantic histories.
How violent is Zero Dark Thirty?
The film features graphic, sustained depictions of torture during interrogations, including waterboarding and physical abuse. The final act contains intense, realistic combat, featuring frequent gunfire, close-range shootings, and the sight of blood and…
Is the language in Zero Dark Thirty appropriate for kids?
Strong and pervasive. The script contains over 50 uses of 'f-word,' along with frequent instances of 'bitch,' 'ass,' and 'dick,' often used in high-stress operational contexts.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Zero Dark Thirty?
Depicted in a realistic, incidental fashion. Characters are shown smoking cigarettes, drinking beer, and consuming wine at bars or social gatherings throughout the film.
What mature themes appear in Zero Dark Thirty?
The film deals with heavy, mature subject matter, including the trauma of 9/11, the moral ambiguity of state-sanctioned torture, the loss of colleagues in war, and the psychological obsession required to complete such a long-term mission.
How long is Zero Dark Thirty?
Zero Dark Thirty runs 157 minutes, directed by Kathryn Bigelow, released in 2012.
Where can I read the full Zero Dark Thirty parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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