Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
British teen road movie sensitively portrays mental illness.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Black Dog
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In BLACK DOG, troubled teen boys Nathan (Jamie Flatters) and Sam (Keenan Munn-Francis) take a road trip from their native London to Scotland and, along the way, learn how friendship and sharing can help them to face their difficult feelings.
Is It Any Good?
This British road movie compellingly explores the lives of two teenage boys who gradually open up to each other. Black Dog's co-writer and star Flatters treats the characters' mental health and home life issues with respect but doesn't bog down the movie with doom and gloom. Instead, Nathan and Sam are well-rounded and a pleasure to accompany on their road trip. Munn-Francis is spectacular as Sam, whose grief and anxiety are wrapped up in an overly polite approach to the world that shows that his kind nature could erupt at any time with the weight of his worries. The film doesn't shy away from heavy themes, including suicide, abandonment issues, and depression. But its hopeful message shines through: that problems can be helped by opening up.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how mental health issues were portrayed in Black Dog. Did the movie treat them sympathetically and seriously? Why is it that important? How did it compare to other films you've seen where mental illness was a theme?
Discuss the strong language used in the movie. Did you think it was over-the-top, or did it seem to represent realistically how the characters would speak?
How were drinking, smoking, and drugs portrayed? Were there consequences? Did it glamorize them?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 19, 2024
- Cast : Jamie Flatters , Keenan Munn-Francis , Paul Kaye
- Director : George Jaques
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Black British Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Vertigo Films
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion
- Run time : 96 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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