Millennium (2010) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

The series contains strong sexual content, including non-consensual sexual acts. Lisbeth Salander is a survivor of rape, which is depicted graphically in a flashback (though not fully explicit). There are scenes of sexual assault, discussions of sex trafficking, and brief, non-graphic nudity in sexual contexts. Homosexual relationships are also depicted, including a brief, non-graphic lesbian sex scene.

Graphic and disturbing violence is pervasive. This includes serial murders, torture, beatings, stabbings, and shootings. Victims are shown bruised, mutilated, and bloody. A character is set on fire and severely burned. Lisbeth Salander inflicts violence in retaliation for abuse, sometimes to a brutal degree. The violence is often grim and realistic, emphasizing the brutality of the acts.

Strong language is used frequently, including F-bombs, s-words, and other expletives in both English subtitles and spoken Swedish dialogue. Profanity is present in casual conversation and in moments of anger or stress throughout the series.

Characters frequently smoke cigarettes, cigars, and drink alcohol, often socially or to cope with stress. Lisbeth Salander is shown smoking heavily. There is some brief discussion of a character being drugged or incapacitated, but no explicit illicit drug use is depicted.

The series explores very dark and mature themes, including sexual abuse, revenge, corruption within institutions, misogyny, trauma, and identity. There are intense depictions of psychological torment, the systemic abuse of women, and the struggle for justice in a corrupt world. Mental illness and its consequences are also central to some character storylines.