Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violence, some language in dark kidnapping thriller.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Don't Say a Word
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In DON'T SAY A WORD, child psychiatrist Nathan Conrad's (Michael Douglas) 8-year-old daughter Jessie (Skye McCole Bartusiak) is kidnapped. But the kidnappers don't want money, they want information. And that information is locked inside the traumatized mind of Elisabeth (Brittany Murphy), who ten years ago witnessed her father's violent death. The leader of the kidnapping gang, Patrick (Sean Bean), has given Nathan less than a full day to earn Elisabeth's trust and get the information he's looking for; otherwise, they'll kill Jessie. The clock is ticking.
Is It Any Good?
This dark, taut, psychological thriller has a strong main character in Nathan, a likable man who always takes the high road, even in the toughest of circumstances. But the teen appeal in Don't Say a Word is more likely to be the psychologically disturbed teen Elisabeth, who's living with PTSD after witnessing her father's violent death. Through Nathan's efforts viewers come to understand Elisabeth and watch her change as she begins to process her trauma.
The cast is great, and everyone brought their A game. A subplot involving a NYC police detective played by Jennifer Esposito takes too long to make the connection to the main story clear, and is more of a distraction at first. And in classic Hollywood fashion, the best ending the filmmakers came up with is a big shootout with guns conveniently appearing from pretty much nowhere. But viewers who like dark psychological thrillers and being kept on the edge of their seats will find this one well worth watching.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Don't Say a Word. Is it too much? Is it believable? How does watching violence in movies and other media affect you?
How has her past trauma affected Elisabeth? What about reliving it? Do you know anyone who's experienced trauma, or have you? Does this seem like a realistic portrayal?
How does his compassion and self-control help Nathan get the information he needs? Is he a positive role model? What are his character strengths and weaknesses?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 24, 2001
- On DVD or streaming : October 18, 2025
- Cast : Michael Douglas , Brittany Murphy , Sean Bean
- Director : Gary Fleder
- Studios : Twentieth Century Fox , Netflix
- Genre : Thriller
- Topics : Family Stories ( Dads , Moms )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Perseverance , Self-control
- Run time : 113 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence, including some gruesome images, and language.
- Last updated : November 5, 2025
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