Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sexy honeymoon, disturbing pregnancy dominate vampire tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 69 parent reviews
Based on 194 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is significantly more intense than the previous entries in the series, with many reviewers noting its heavy sexual content and graphic birth scene, making it inappropriate for younger audiences. While some believe it can be suitable for mature teens around 12-14 years old, they generally recommend that younger children skip certain scenes due to their disturbing and bloody nature.
- intense content
- sexual scenes
- graphic birth
- suitable for teens
- not for kids
- mature audience
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Bella (Kristen Stewart) is finally headed down the aisle to her dazzling vampire groom, Edward (Robert Pattinson), even though it breaks her best friend, Jacob's (Taylor Lautner), heart. Thanks to her decision to remain a human until after the honeymoon (possible spoiler alerts!), the newlyweds end up conceiving a half-human, half-vampire baby whose aggressive in-utero growth will likely kill Bella. Edward wants to terminate the dangerous pregnancy, but Bella is willing to sacrifice her life for their baby. Meanwhile, Jacob breaks off from the wolf pack when alpha Sam decides the baby must be destroyed, since its birth violates the treaty between the vampires and werewolves. Bella's only chance at survival is to be turned into a vampire immediately after giving birth, but will it be too late?
Is It Any Good?
This first installment in the two-part finale is all relationship melodrama with very little action, so fans of the special effects-driven fight scenes will be disappointed. Director Bill Condon faithfully focuses on the soap-operaish bits -- the quickie wedding (which provides the movie's first and last look at Bella's hilariously confused human friends, who wonder, "Who gets married at 18?"), the romantic honeymoon, and the ensuing high-risk pregnancy that culminates in one of the most horrific birth scenes (worse than Rosemary's Baby!) ever put on film.
After Bella discovers her pregnancy, the movie basically turns into a pro-life discussion, which will endear some viewers and appall others. At least Lautner finally shows that he can do more than scowl and show off his six-pack as he grieves (and cries!) for his beloved best friend. Stewart and Pattinson's penchant for broodiness is perfectly matched with Bella's sickly and Edward's bereft demeanor. The thin plot (no one really believes the wolves are a threat with Jacob so devoted to Bella, so it's all about the pregnancy) is so over-the-top with the "fetus" vs. "baby" arguments that by the time the birth happens, it's just a relief to be done with the discussion. With its faithful depiction of key passages and lines, BREAKING DAWN is likely to please Twihards but could disturb casual fans.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Bella and Edward's relationship. Is 18 too young to get married? Should marriage be part of a young adult series aimed at tweens and teens?
Is Bella and Edward's romance a positive example for teenagers? What's your take on the mature issues of sexuality, marriage, and family planning that are addressed in the movie? Parents, take this opportunity to talk to your teens about your own family's values when it comes to these topics.
Because of her focus on Edward (and, to a lesser degree, Jacob), Bella has been unfavorably compared to other young-adult heroines. Why do you think she and the Twilight series remain so popular, and does this popularity convey messages to girls about girls' roles in relationships?
What aspects of the movie were faithful to the book? What scenes are more powerful in the book? In the movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 18, 2011
- On DVD or streaming : February 7, 2012
- Cast : Kristen Stewart , Robert Pattinson , Taylor Lautner
- Director : Bill Condon
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Summit Entertainment
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Run time : 117 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : disturbing images, violence, sexuality/partial nudity and some thematic elements
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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