Parents' Guide to

Gaslight

By Nell Minow, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Brilliant '40s classic of mind-game suspense.

Movie NR 1944 114 minutes
Gaslight Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

age 11+

Based on 2 parent reviews

age 12+

Bergman and Boyer shine!

Bergman is a marvel! And Boyer is very convincing as a manipulative husband who maneuvers his wife into a corner that is suspicious and slowly terrifying. And Lansbury...well, she is just tone perfect! Everyone knows what type of film it is and the stars carry a dollop as they negotiate their lives between the well articulated set pieces and costumes. The devastation felt by so many characters feels palpable. A great film that depicts the harrowing skill of trying to survive every day slights that quickly assemble and metastasize into the fabric of your home life.
age 9+

Not to be missed!

More creepy (and upsetting to see Ingrid Bergman in distress) than actually scary. One note: This excellent film was directed by the great George Cukor, not the great Alfred Hitchcock

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (1):

George Cukor's classic tale of suspense is a good way to begin a conversation about vulnerability and manipulation. Gregory is almost able to drive Paula mad by making her think she's mad already. By cutting her off from any outside reality, by coolly denying what she sees and hears for herself, by telling her over and over again that she is helpless and incompetent, he begins to turn her into the person he tells her that she is. Families can use this movie to discuss how some in positions of power are often accused of trying to "gaslight" those who disagree with their policies, and other situations in which manipulative people try to "gaslight" those around them.

Movie Details

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