Pixie

Movie review by Stefan Pape, Common Sense Media
Pixie Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 16+

Violent, stylistic thriller has drugs and language.

R 2021 93 minutes
Rate movie

Parents say

No reviews yet.

Add your rating

Kids say

No reviews yet.

Add your rating

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate movie

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Pixie is an incredibly violent action thriller that doesn't shy away from graphic violence, drug taking, and bad language. Pixie (Olivia Cooke) is looking to avenge her mother's death, but inadvertently finds herself with two accomplices and a bag full of drugs. There are several shoot-outs, and graphic death scenes, with characters shot in the head, stabbed, strangled, run over, and even tied to and dragged by a car. It's worth noting that the movie is very stylized -- in a Tarantino-esque way -- which helps detract from the realism of the violence. However, there is little by way of positive messages or role models -- though Pixie is a refreshing strong female lead -- with characters resorting to violence, and being motivated by money and revenge. A group of priests, led by Alec Baldwin, are depicted as being heavily involved in crime and drugs. There are several vulgar sexual references, as well as mention of rape and child molestation, and the language is very strong throughout, with several variants of "f--k." As well as drug deals, characters also take drugs and drink alcohol, and are seen under the influence of both.

Community Reviews

There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

What's the Story?

In PIXIE, following the death of her mother, Pixie (Olivia Cooke) is intent on avenging her death. When two hapless local men -- Frank (Ben Hardy) and Harland (Daryl McCormack) -- stumble across a bag full of drugs with a street value of over $1 million, Pixie spots an opportunity. The trio find themselves on the run across the Irish countryside with gangsters on their tail, as Pixie seeks to settle a score once and for all. With a priest.

Is It Any Good?

This is a brilliantly slick and stylized gangster flick, evidently taking much inspiration from the likes of Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie. Pixie's director Barnaby Thompson is far from imitating though, and merely imbues that same swagger into this fast-paced endeavor.

The story remains engaging, and it's helped along by a rhythmic screenplay, and three central characters that are impossible to dislike. Cooke shines in the eponymous lead role, fearless in her depiction of this brilliantly devised character. While Hardy and McCormack provide a comedic counter, adding some charm and likable traits since they're both, in short, rather terrible at being criminals. Oh, and look out for Alec Baldwin playing a terrifying priest, just in case you weren't sold already.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the violence in Pixie. How did it make you feel? What did the movie have to say about violence? Did it glorify it?

  • Discuss the strong language used -- including the vulgar sexual references. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?

  • How was drinking, smoking, and drug use depicted in the movie? Was it glamorized? Were there realistic consequences? Why is that important?

  • The lead characters are incredibly flawed, and do some unspeakable things. Did you still find yourself rooting for them? If so, why?

  • The movie is heavily influenced by filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie. What were some of the similarities to their films?

Movie Details

Our Editors Recommend

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate