Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violence, teen sex, drugs in book-based thriller.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Dark Places
What's the Story?
Back in 1985, young Libby Day survived the murder of her mother and two sisters and was pressured into naming her brother, Ben (Tye Sheridan), as the killer. Thirty years later, money from good Samaritans has dried up, and Libby (Charlize Theron) is in need of funds. She accepts an offer from Lyle Wirth (Nicholas Hoult) to tell her story to the "Kill Club," a group of true crime fans who believe that the grown-up Ben (Corey Stoll) is innocent. Piecing together new information with old memories, Libby finds that the truth is a great deal more complex than she could have possibly remembered -- or guessed.
Is It Any Good?
Based on Gillian Flynn's novel, this thriller will no doubt pale in comparison to Gone Girl, but it has its own merits, namely a psychologically rich, complex storyline and fine performances. DARK PLACES' biggest asset is Theron; hiding under a baseball cap and an ill-fitting coat, her Libby is angrily guarded and in need of help. She finds humanity within her painful shell. And Theron inspires a fine cast of supporters -- ranging from Hoult and Chloe Grace Moretz to Sheridan -- do to equally fine work.
Writer/director Gilles Paquet-Brenner adapts Flynn's novel in a way that seems dense and layered but remarkably clear and exciting. While the ending does rely on some rather gratuitous suspense, the solution to the puzzle isn't quite as routine as you might expect, and the story's conclusion allows for complex emotions rather than a simple, happy wrap-up. It probably won't beat the book, but as a movie, it works.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Dark Places' violence. How violent does the movie feel, and how much is actually shown? How does the movie achieve this effect? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Do you think the main character is a role model? A strong woman?
How does the movie portray drinking, smoking, and drug use? Are they glamorized? What are the consequences of substance use?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 7, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : October 6, 2015
- Cast : Charlize Theron , Nicholas Hoult , Chloe Grace Moretz
- Director : Gilles Paquet-Brenner
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : A24
- Genre : Thriller
- Topics : Book Characters
- Run time : 113 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some disturbing violence, language, drug use and sexual content
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate