Deadly Cuts

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Deadly Cuts
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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 Deadly Cuts is an Irish comedy with strong language and a number of crass sexual references. Set in a salon in working-class Dublin, a group of hairdressers, led by Michelle (Angeline Ball), must unite to save the business and their local area. There is strong language throughout, including "f--k" and "s--t," and jokes of a sexual nature. Occasional strong violence includes people being punched and headbutted, as well as stabbed and shot dead with bloody scenes. Some smoking and drinking is shown, but not to the point of intoxication. The hairdressers offer strong female representation and their friendship is a key theme, though they also commit violent crimes that go unpunished. There is frequent humor, some of which lands better than others. It doesn't quite sit naturally with some of the violence, but this is an enjoyable movie that will appeal to mid-teens upward who like a level of silliness mixed with dark humor.
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What's the Story?
In DEADLY CUTS, a group of hairdressers must work together to protect their salon from the violence of a local gang and the gentrification plans of the town politician. Becoming accidental vigilantes, they start making an impact in the community, but can they make the same impact in a high-end hairdressing competition and put both the town and the salon on the map?
Is It Any Good?
It's the warmth and likability of this movie's characters that helps style out what is otherwise an enjoyable but inconsistent and old-fashioned comedy. Angeline Ball and Ericka Roe are particular standouts in Deadly Cuts as maternal salon owner Michelle and fiery hairdresser Stacey. Showing a mixture of grit and determination against those who challenge them, and kindness and unwavering support for each other, the relationships and easy chemistry sell this as a celebration of strong female characters and triumph over adversity. Beyond that, the tone never quite settles. Is it a gritty drama -- with some quite unexpectedly nasty violence? Is it a feel-good celebration? Is it a dark comedy? Is it just plain silly? It's all of these and none of them at once. Unfortunately, this half-heartedness of never fully leaning into any direction really lets the side down.
There are some oversized characters that will get an easy laugh, plenty of fun hairdressing puns, genuine moments of dramatic threat, and uplifting times of elation. But what really remains constant and appealing is the sense of connection. The spoken and unspoken ties between characters -- between four women who work together, who are thrown together to survive, and in the wonderfully knowing link that emerges to the town's older generation of equally strong matriarchs.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the role of teamwork in Deadly Cuts. In what ways does it prove important? Why is it such an important character strength? Can you think of a time when you've worked well as a team?
Discuss the violence in the movie. Did the violent scenes help tell the story in an effective way? Were there repercussions for those responsible for the violence? Why does that matter? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Talk about the strong language used. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Discuss the themes around class? In what ways is Piglinstown represented as working-class and can you see any stereotypes presented?
How did the film tackle sexism and gender expectations? Would you consider it feminist?
Movie Details
- In theaters: October 8, 2021
- On DVD or streaming: March 17, 2022
- Cast: Angeline Ball, Ericka Roe, Shauna Higgins, Lauren Larkin
- Director: Rachel Carey
- Studio: Broadcasting Authority of Ireland
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Friendship
- Character Strengths: Courage, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 90 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 3, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love stories set in Ireland
Character Strengths
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