Don't Leave

Romantic drama has sex, drinking, drugs, and language.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Don't Leave
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 suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Don't Leave is a Turkish romantic drama about a modern relationship that loses its spark and the heartbreak the man feels afterward. There are arguments, appointments missed, and attempts at making up for mistakes. There's a fair amount of sexual content, but no nudity. A couple has sex in many different places. A man watches pornography on his computer. Very little violence here except for a sexual assault that inaugurates the romantic relationship. Adults and young adults smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol often. Adults party at clubs and take drugs (ecstasy). Adults smoke weed. Strong language includes: "f--k," "s--t," "ass," and "hell."
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
In DON'T LEAVE, Semih (Burak Deniz) is just getting over a relationship when he sees a beautiful woman (Dilan Çiçek Deniz) at a bar. After a whirlwind relationship, the woman leaves him, and he's sad. Will he be able to recover?
Is It Any Good?
Unfortunately, this modern love drama begins its story with a sexual assault that somehow leads to the woman falling for the man. In Don't Leave, the relationship itself is shown with respect, each partner trying their best to stay engaged and passionate, while also pursuing and succeeding at their careers, but the way the two meet leaves a foul taste that, well, doesn't leave. To be specific, while out at a bar trying to forget his old relationship, Semih looks across the room and sees Dephne. Soon, he forcefully surprises her at the bar, kisses her on the mouth, and then tries to laugh it off. Later, a "friend" tells Dephne that Semih is "actually a good guy." And just like that, somehow, everything is fine, and suddenly Dephne is romantically interested in Semih.
What follows is a series of mistakes by Semih (missed appointments, not caring enough, thinking about himself too much, not wanting to go to certain events) divided up with memories of "good times" (mainly sexual encounters). The entire film looks through Semih's gaze and only sees his pain, heartbreak, and suffering. In fact, Dephne only really shows up throughout the film to be grumpy, complain about something, be jealous, be sexual, or care for Semih when he catches a cold.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about relationships in drama movies. How does Don't Leave represent modern young love?
Would you have reacted differently than Dephne when first meeting Semih? If so, how?
Was the ending satisfying? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: November 11, 2022
- Cast: Burak Deniz, Dilan Cicek Deniz, Ceyda Düvenci, Berrak Tüzünataç
- Director: Ozan Aciktan
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 107 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 17, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love romance
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