Common Sense Media Review
By Rich Phippen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Unsettling thriller about grief has sex and some violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Don't Look Now
What's the Story?
DON'T LOOK NOW tells the story of John Baxter (Donald Sutherland) and his wife, Laura (Julie Christie). Following their daughter's tragic death, John and Laura go to Venice, where John takes a job restoring a church. During a meal in a restaurant, Laura and John meet two elderly sisters, one of whom claims to be able to see their deceased daughter -- and further claims that John shares her psychic ability. John dismisses this but soon starts seeing unusual things that he doesn't understand.
Is It Any Good?
Frequently cited as a classic of 1970s indie cinema, this is very much of its time, with offbeat editing and unclear storytelling. Don't Look Now is ambiguous and vague, designed to unsettle and confuse. The Venice backdrop is very much part of the cast, with its dark corners and maze-like surroundings adding to the sense of foreboding.
Sutherland and Christie are both excellent, he as a bemused husband trying to make sense of the weirdness occurring around him, and she as the mother who desperately wants to believe in her daughter's presence. The supporting cast delivers naturalistic performances that add to a feeling of dread that's impossible to put a finger on.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about grief in Don't Look Now. How do Laura and John each deal with their daughter's death? Do they communicate effectively?
Talk about the sex scene in the movie. Was it gratuitous? Did it add to the story or characters? If so, how?
Were you scared by the movie? What scared you the most? Why do some people like scary movies?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 18, 1973
- On DVD or streaming : July 29, 2002
- Cast : Julie Christie , Donald Sutherland , Hilary Mason
- Director : Nicolas Roeg
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Home Media Distribution
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 15, 2023
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