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Parents' Guide to

Don't Look Now

By Rich Phippen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Unsettling thriller about grief has sex and some violence.

Movie R 1973 110 minutes
Don't Look Now Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 12+

Based on 1 parent review

Nickyo
Nickyo Adult
May 19, 2020
age 12+

Perhaps Look Again...

The storytelling of Don't Look Now is absolutely clear. Watch the Sixth Sense, then watch it again... Please read my take on it and the evidence here...(includes spoilers): https://midnightmoviesonline.wordpress.com/2020/05/18/dont-look-now-or-…
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

DON'T LOOK NOW tells the story of John Baxter (Donald Sutherland) and his wife, Laura (Julie Christie). Following their daughter's tragic death, John and Laura go to Venice, where John takes a job restoring a church. During a meal in a restaurant, Laura and John meet two elderly sisters, one of whom claims to be able to see their deceased daughter -- and further claims that John shares her psychic ability. John dismisses this but soon starts seeing unusual things that he doesn't understand.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (3 ):

Frequently cited as a classic of 1970s indie cinema, this is very much of its time, with offbeat editing and unclear storytelling. Don't Look Now is ambiguous and vague, designed to unsettle and confuse. The Venice backdrop is very much part of the cast, with its dark corners and maze-like surroundings adding to the sense of foreboding.

Sutherland and Christie are both excellent, he as a bemused husband trying to make sense of the weirdness occurring around him, and she as the mother who desperately wants to believe in her daughter's presence. The supporting cast delivers naturalistic performances that add to a feeling of dread that's impossible to put a finger on.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about grief in Don't Look Now. How do Laura and John each deal with their daughter's death? Do they communicate effectively?

  • Talk about the sex scene in the movie. Was it gratuitous? Did it add to the story or characters? If so, how?

  • Were you scared by the movie? What scared you the most? Why do some people like scary movies?

Movie Details

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