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Stephanie Daley

(2007, Rated R, Drama, Starring Timothy Hutton, Tilda Swinton, Amber Tamblyn)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 16.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Sobering infanticide drama is too much for kids.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Very manipulative seduction scene; a married woman kisses her husband's friend; a married man appears to be having an affair (or is at least considering it); Stephanie gives birth in a bathroom and later discusses what she did with the baby.

  • Violence:

    Stephanie gives birth in a bathroom stall, and the frightening experience marches across her face. Blood coats her fingers and clothes. Lydie crashes into a deer.

  • Sex:

    No out-and-out nudity, but a teen boy skillfully persuades Stephanie into having sex -- an act that ends in a discomfortingly aloof manner. Some kissing and petting.

  • Language:

    Some uses of "s--t," along with the occasional "f--k."

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Underage drinking and occasional marijuana use. Some discussion of drinking scotch, and pregnant Lydie holds a glass of wine and talks about missing drinking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Stephanie Daley

Parents need to know that this affecting indie drama tackles the subject of teen pregnancy with frankness and near-complete honesty, which may make it overwhelming for teens, since nothing is sugar-coated. Nevertheless, it does so with an admirable lack of judgment, instead presenting the story with its sometimes-overwhelming complexity and sadness intact. It's a heavy movie, one that may bring on more questions than answers, and disturbing questions at that. There's some swearing, drinking, and sexuality, but the sobering subject matter is the big issue here.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how this movie portrays teen pregnancy and its consequences. Does it seem realistic to you? How does it compare to other movies' or TV shows' take on the issue? How does the film differ from press reports about infanticide? How are teen moms suspected of killing their babies portrayed in the media? Are they victims, victimizers, or both? Families can also discuss how the movie deals with sex. When Stephanie had sex, did it seem like an exciting moment or a problematic one? Why did she have sex? Was she pressured? Do you think she knew she was pregnant? If so, why do you think she kept it a secret? Is complete honesty difficult to achieve with parents? Why?
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