Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violent sci-fi thriller has chaos, gory deaths, swearing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Bird Box
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 47 parent reviews
Parents say this film contains intense themes, featuring graphic violence, frequent depictions of suicide, and strong language, making it unsuitable for younger audiences. While many appreciate the acting and suspenseful plot, numerous reviews warn that it can be particularly distressing for those with a history of mental health struggles.
- graphic violence
- suicide themes
- trigger warnings
- age inappropriate
- intense suspense
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 148 kid reviews
What's the Story?
Painter Malorie (Sandra Bullock), mid-pregnancy and unsure about becoming a mother, is thrust into a global nightmare in BIRD BOX. A deadly force threatens the planet. Unseen but lethal -- anyone who looks in its direction is impelled to commit suicide by any means -- the evil presence is destroying the population. Chaos prevails. Blindfolds, as protection, take center stage. Finding interim refuge in a house inhabited by other desperate people, Malorie gives birth. Her housemates include: Douglas (John Malkovich, an alcoholic prophet of doom; Cheryl (Jackie Weaver), a resilient senior; an unsophisticated Olympia (Danielle Macdonald); and Tom (Trevante Rhodes), who may be the one person Malorie can count on. Director Susanne Bier intercuts the cataclysmic events to which one after another of the principals fall victim, with scenes five years in the future when Malorie and two children, Boy (Julian Edwards) and Girl (Vivien Lyra Blair) race down a river in a final, valiant attempt to survive.
Is It Any Good?
Sandra Bullock, sympathetic and a force of nature here, in combination with other solid performances, terrific direction, and abundant blindfolds, makes a conventional tale suspenseful and effective. Though the filmmakers have attempted to provide some degree of optimism by the end of Bird Box, the five years during which nothing has been able to stem the onslaught of the terror isn't very reassuring. Suspension of disbelief is a necessity, as is not looking too closely at some of the plot elements; however, the unceasing tension and rooting interest for the heroic folks makes it a thrilling ride -- only for mature teens and grown-ups.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Bird Box. The actual monster/creature/presence is never seen in this movie. How did the filmmakers let you know it was near? Why was it as scary, or even scarier, than seeing a visual image? What is the impact of media violence on kids?
How does Bird Box illustrate such character strengths as courage, perseverance, teamwork?
What's the difference between an "end-of-the-world" movie and a "dystopian" movie? Why do you think both genres appeal to audiences, especially teens? What are your favorites?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 13, 2018
- On DVD or streaming : December 21, 2018
- Cast : Sandra Bullock , Trevante Rhodes , John Malkovich
- Director : Susanne Bier
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Thriller
- Topics : Book Characters , Dystopia , Family Stories ( Siblings , Single Parents )
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 124 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence, bloody images, language, and brief sexuality
- Last updated : September 5, 2025
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