Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Empathetic immigration thriller has sex, teen pot use.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
At the Gates
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In AT THE GATES, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers come to the Barris home searching for their cleaning woman, Ana (Vanessa Benavente), and her 17-year-old son, Nico (Ezekiel Pacheco). The two are hastily hidden in the the Barris' basement to keep them safe, but as the days drag on, Nico suspects that Peter (Noah Wyle) and Marianne Barris (Miranda Otto) might have a hidden agenda.
Is It Any Good?
Heavy-handed (but perhaps necessarily so), writer-director Augustus Meleo Bernstein's drama addresses the relationship between undocumented migrants and their employers in the United States. From the initial squeaking of the gate when Ana and Nico enter the Barris' home to do their weekly cleaning, viewers may be on edge. Something is off. But what?
Playing into and off of stereotypes, clichés, and expectations based on the many films that have come before it, At the Gates makes us question the Barris family's intentions -- and, for some viewers, confront their own assumptions. This isn't always an enjoyable watch, but it's one that's worth the time. It should get viewers talking about how American citizens can or should help refugees.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Nico demonstrates critical thinking and courage in At the Gates. How are compassion and empathy depicted? Why are these important character strengths?
What does it mean to be a refugee? Why do refugees need protection? Why is this issue complicated: Why can't countries just open their borders? What solution do you see for people in the same circumstances as Anna or who are "dreamers" like Nico?
What does "White saviorism" mean? How does At the Gates incorporate this idea, compared to other movies?
How is marijuana use depicted, and why does it matter? Do you think teens are more inclined to use pot when movies imply that all teens are doing it?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 3, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : April 12, 2024
- Cast : Ezekiel Pacheco , Vanessa Benavente , Miranda Otto , Sadie Stanley
- Director : Augustus Meleo Bernstein
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Picturehouse
- Genre : Thriller
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Gratitude
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and some drug use
- Last updated : November 11, 2023
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