Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Darkly funny debut has strong language, suicide references.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Bad Behaviour
What's the Story?
In BAD BEHAVIOUR, Lucy (Jennifer Connelly) attends a semi-silent retreat led by Elon Bello (Ben Whishaw) in search of enlightenment. Elsewhere, her daughter, Dylan (Alice Englert), performs on a film set miles away. Events unravel that reunite the pair and bring to a head their traumatic pasts and turbulent relationship.
Is It Any Good?
Englert's first feature film as writer/director is intense, surreal, and chaotic at times, but earns its touching moments when they come. In Bad Behaviour, the narrative seems to have a life of its own, meandering, flipping on its head, and delving into darkness. But the central performances by Connelly and Englert keep things fresh and sparky throughout. Connelly in particular brings a wry humor to her lost soul, who constantly hits out at the world around her. It's easy to feel some kinship when she comes up against the delusional self-help fanatics around her at the retreat, even as she behaves reliably unpleasantly in their wake. As Whishaw's guru spouts meaningless mantras like, "don't hope, be," and a narcissistic model is applauded at every turn for her vapid monologues, Lucy's cynicism seems more and more valid, right up to a surprisingly violent moment that proves a bold move and sets the tone for the unexpected to come. Things get a little lost at times, but a bit of faith will keep audiences onboard until the final act, where the mother/daughter drama hits its height and something quite unique and beautiful unfolds.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the themes of generational trauma in Bad Behaviour. How did Lucy's past experiences with her mother affect her in the present? How did you think her own behavior had affected her daughter, Dylan?
Discuss the strong language used. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it add to the story?
Lucy listened to self-help podcasts and went on an expensive retreat in an attempt to find "enlightenment." What impression did the movie give of this industry? Did you think it was fair?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 14, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : June 14, 2024
- Cast : Jennifer Connelly , Alice Englert , Ben Whishaw
- Director : Alice Englert
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Gravitas Ventures
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Arts , Family Stories , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Run time : 109 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 4, 2025
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