Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intense thriller explores revenge through graphic violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Blue Ruin
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In BLUE RUIN, Dwight (Macon Blair) lives on the outskirts of society following a family tragedy. But when he hears some disturbing news, his violent revenge escalates into more harm as tension between two families leads to deadly consequences.
Is It Any Good?
This crowdfunded indie film is a tense, exciting thriller that deals with extreme situations in a gripping and cinematic way. Shocking plot twists create genuine gasps and heart-racing moments, making Blue Ruin an easy recommendation for fans of this type of genre. Directed by Jeremy Saulnier (Green Room, Rebel Ridge), the realistic violence might not suit the squeamish, but it serves the film's underlying message about how violence breeds violence and the stark difference between someone who has accepted grief and trauma versus someone whose life remains frozen in pursuit of revenge.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Blue Ruin. Did it feel excessive or just right for the tone of the movie? What were the effects of violence on the characters? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Discuss the differences between how Dwight and Sam dealt with the feelings caused by their parents' murder.
Why do you think revenge movies are a popular genre? What message did this movie have about the pursuit of revenge?
Discuss the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie? Is a certain level of language expected in a film like this?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 25, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : July 22, 2014
- Cast : Macon Blair , Amy Hargreaves , Kevin Kolack
- Director : Jeremy Saulnier
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Radius TWC , Anchor Bay Entertainment
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong bloody violence, and language
- Last updated : July 8, 2025
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