Parents need to know that the film's original theatrical release was delayed because of its violence. As in the original play, characters are brutally murdered, and there is a suicide. Teen characters smoke, drink, and use drugs. The language is extremely harsh, including the n-word and a homophobic epithet, as well as some very harsh rap lyrics on the soundtrack. A consensual sexual encounter turns into a rape, and there are other sexual references and situations. A girl is referred to as a slut.

Families can talk about how easy it can be to shake someone's trust, and how difficult it is to determine who we should believe. Does Odin doubt Desi so quickly because he's unsure about himself? Would he be so quick to believe that she was unfaithful to him if Mike was black? Would Hugo be so angry at Odin if Odin was white? What do you think about O's use of the n-word and his reaction when he's told that Mike and Desi call him that behind his back? When Hugo is invited to have dinner with his father, why does the camera show only Hugo? Why is Hugo so hurt by what his father says? What does Hugo want his father to see that he doesn't?