Common Sense Note
Parents should know that there are several murders, some graphic and bloody, and one character is the victim of domestic abuse. Both of the couples have sex, and one character is a photographer whose work includes graphic sexual scenes. Characters smoke, drink, and use profanity.
Families who watch this movie might talk about violence in the media. Why are we fascinated by stories about murders or violent crimes? Domestic abuse would also be a topic to explore. Why does Adele choose to stay with and defend Early, despite his abuse? What are the responsibilities of third parties like Carrie and Brian, who learn about the abuse?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Sarah L. Thomson
A film that opens with a thunderstorm, ominous chords, and a scantily clad young woman can't be going anywhere good. And, indeed, it's not. Early Grayce (Brad Pitt) bags his first two bodies in the first five minutes, then kills his landlord and along with his terrorized girlfriend, Adele (Juliette Lewis), catch a ride from photographer Carrie (Michelle Forbes) and writer Brian (David Duchovny). These two, on a road trip to research the sites of famous murders, revel in the grotesque excitement of past brutality while Early steals a handbag, eyes Carrie hungrily, and murders a customer in a gas station bathroom. All hell breaks loose when a news bulletin spills the beans about their identities. Despite being held captive by Early, Brian and Carrie continue in their efforts to get into his head.
The heart of this film is the guilty allure violence has for us. Brian is drawn to historical murders, just as we are drawn to Early, waiting to see who he will kill next. Carrie is a voyeur herself, photographing Adele and Early having violent sex. It's all supposed to be titillating, but the truth is, it's hard to like any of these flat characters enough to be drawn into their fantasies and trespasses. Juliette Lewis, however, does offer a nice turn as the abused girlfriend Adele. The moment she stands up to Early is both satisfying and genuinely chilling, as we know she will pay for her newfound strength with her life. More gross than haunting, this might satisfy hardcore adrenaline junkies, but it's definitely not for kids.
Rate It!
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| CS | adults | kids | ||
Sexual ContentBrief, but explicit sexual scenes and photographs. |
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ViolenceGory murders and fight scenes. |
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LanguageVery strong language. |
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Message |
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Social BehaviorOne character is a murderer and domestic abuser; the others are, to one degree or another, tolerant of his violence. |
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Commercialism |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoSmoking and drinking. |
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