Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intense Irish drama with violence toward people and animals.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Bring Them Down
What's the Story?
In BRING THEM DOWN, shepherd Michael (Christopher Abbott) is drawn into a violent conflict with a rival shepherd family after taking on Gary (Paul Ready) and his son, Jack (Barry Keoghan), leaving a trail of devastation in his wake.
Is It Any Good?
With a steady start, this seemingly simple story of two missing sheep first feels woolly and vague. But soon, Bring Them Down makes a masterful shift, putting everything into focus. The drama ignites and reveals the main character in this complex story of violence and regret. The stage is set for a Greek tragedy that shows the effects of toxic masculinity and not communicating pain. The cast are all great as closed-up characters cornered in their lives and fighting from their corner. Deadly drama is played out by stark, small figures against the huge mountains of the Irish landscape. Their lives don't need to be this way, and the movie can be a cautionary tale to encourage opening up and new futures.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Bring Them Down. How did it make you feel? How did it compare to the violence seen in more traditional action movies? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
There's lots of strong language in the movie. What did it contribute to the story? Is a certain level of language expected in a film like this? If so, why?
How were drinking, smoking, and drugs portrayed? Were there consequences? Did it glamorize them?
How could some of the characters have changed their circumstances by communicating better?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 7, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : March 28, 2025
- Cast : Christopher Abbott , Barry Keoghan , Colm Meaney
- Director : Christopher Andrews
- Studio : MUBI
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Animals
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language throughout, violent content, some grisly images and brief drug use
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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