Blithe Spirit

Blithe Spirit
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Blithe Spirit is a British comedy, full of slapstick violence and drinking, and is based on a Noel Coward play. When crime writer Charles Condomine (Dan Stevens) starts to suffer from writer's block, he arranges a séance that inadvertently brings back his dead wife, Elvira (Leslie Mann), who seems intent on ruining his new marriage to Ruth (Isla Fisher). Though the séance is presented in a playful way, it could prove too scary for younger kids. Most of the characters are conniving and continuously double-cross one another. There are death threats, slapstick violence, and even a murder. But it remains cartoon-like in its depiction, with those who die coming back as ghosts. There is frequent drinking, with Charles seen drinking in the mornings and often by himself. He is also given amphetamine to help cheer his mood. Another character is drugged without her consent, in a bid to humiliate her at a large gathering. There is a sense of comeuppance though, and characters who wrong others do seem to get what is coming to them. There is the very occasional sexual reference, as it's alluded to that a character made love to a ghost, and in one scene a woman is referred to as a "hussy."
Community Reviews
Great movie for older tweens
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What's the Story?
BLITHE SPIRIT is the tale of crime writer Charles Condomine (Dan Stevens), suffering from writer's block and in need of inspiration. In a bid to evoke some creativity, a séance is held by Madame Arcati (Judi Dench), who accidentally summons the ghost of the writer's ex-wife, Elvira (Leslie Mann), causing problems between him and his current wife, Ruth (Isla Fisher).
Is It Any Good?
A good-natured and endearingly overstated comedy that thrives in its absurdity. Based on a Noel Coward play, Blithe Spirit is full of the playful spirit of the great writer, and is quintessentially British too. The outfits, the dialogue, and even Charles Condomine's mustache, are all over-the-top, but this is a film very much played for laughs. There's an artistic license here to be as bombastic and unsubtle as possible, and the actors are clearly having fun playing in this mischievous tone.
The casting is spot on, as both Fisher and Mann play roles of this nature so well, while it's always a pleasure to see Dench on our screens. The movie does rely, primarily, on its one central joke, which is Charles addressing his dead wife, Elvira, only for others around him to believe he's talking to them. In truth, the gag is over-used to the point of tedium. But despite this grievance, director Edward Hall still manages to deliver an easily accessible, fun little movie that more than passes the time.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether or not they think the slapstick violence in Blithe Spirit is funny. Is it ever appropriate to laugh when someone gets hurt? Did the fact that it was presented in a playful manner make it less impactful?
How does the movie present drinking? Do you think the characters drink too much? Does their behavior seem realistic/believable? Are there consequences for what they do?
Talk about how the movie portrays sex. Is it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
There is a scene consisting of a séance intended to summon back ghosts. Did you find this scene scary? Why do you think some people want to reconnect with the dead?
Movie Details
- In theaters: February 19, 2021
- On DVD or streaming: March 23, 2021
- Cast: Dan Stevens, Isla Fisher, Leslie Mann
- Director: Edward Hall
- Studio: IFC Films
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Run time: 95 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: suggestive references and some drug material
- Last updated: February 3, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love to laugh
Themes & Topics
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