Fairytale

Guns are kept in the home and repeatedly pointed at people, including a character suicidally holding one to their own head and another being shot dead. A character is tied up with a bag placed over their head. Pills are placed in alcoholic drinks causing two characters to pass out. There is mention of cutting off a penis. Reference to domestic abuse. Two characters are involved in a struggle with each other. A rope, knife, and candlestick are cited as potential murder weapons. There is a small fire in the kitchen and talk of incineration connected to a UFO invasion. A pet dog has been embalmed and there is mention of blood and death.

There is mild flirtation and talk of sex lives and affairs. Characters dance seductively, begin to undress each other, and kiss. Two characters are seen in their lingerie in bed, implying they are post-intercourse. A body-building magazine is treated as though it is pornographic. Reference is made to losing virginity and having an erection. There is talk of sexuality and gender identity. A character goes into labor.

There is no swearing, but language includes "frippet," "sissy," "nookie," "butt," and "freak of nature." Various words for penis are also used including "member" and "pecker."

Characters regularly smoke cigarettes and alcohol -- including cocktails and spirits -- is consumed almost constantly, with a character seen to be drunk. There is mention of amphetamines and addiction. Drinks are spiked with sleeping pills, causing two characters to pass out.

Parents need to know that Fairytale -- original name Favola -- is an intriguing Italian dramedy, with English subtitles, that tackles LGBTQ issues, including gender identity and an anti-gay society. Beginning life as a stage play, the movie takes place entirely in one location. It satirizes the 1950s American dream, so includes gender stereotypes and sexism, though these are played for irony and comedy. There is a transgender narrative in that the main character of Mrs. Fairytale is played by male actor Filippo Timi. This may be confusing for some children, but also a good opportunity to begin a conversation. There is mention of domestic abuse and a struggle between a husband and wife. Guns are aimed and shot, with one character considering suicide and another shot dead. There is kissing and the implication of sex, but much of the flirting and seduction is played for laughs. Drinking and smoking are almost constantly shown. Two characters are also drugged when their drinks are spiked with sleeping pills. Both the settings and characters are surreal, larger than life, and full of quirks. Though dark at times, the movie is a lot of fun and has a strong message about identity and individuality.

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