Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Well-made psychosexual horror film is gruesome and gory.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
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Where to Watch
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Gerald's Game
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 13 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is not suitable for younger audiences due to its disturbing themes, such as sexual abuse and graphic violence, including a particularly shocking scene involving severe injury. Despite its slow pace at times, many find the plot compelling, and it is praised for its strong performances and exploration of deep psychological issues, making it a thought-provoking watch for mature viewers.
- disturbing themes
- graphic violence
- slow pace
- mature audiences
- strong performances
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
The marriage of Gerald (Bruce Greenwood) and Jessie Burlingame (Carla Gugino) is strained when GERALD'S GAME opens. Hoping to rekindle their feelings, they leave for a weekend at their second home, which is beautiful, isolated, in a lush setting. Gerald has brought along some handcuffs, intent upon introducing some spice to what has been a fading sexual relationship. After only a short time in the handcuffs, feeling trapped and increasingly frightened, Jessie is finished with the game. But Gerald isn't ready to unlock the cuffs. He continues the "game" until tragic circumstances prevent him from stopping it, even if he wanted to. Jessie is trapped, alone, imprisoned on the bed, without food, water, or any means of communicating with the outside world. No one will find her. No one will be able to help. A series of mounting events and extraordinary beings put Jessie in more jeopardy -- and those real events are joined by the eerie presence of the couple's two alter egos, who appear to the terrified woman and either mock or try to support her.
Is It Any Good?
Carla Gugino gives her all in a stellar performance; the production is first-rate, suspenseful, thought-provoking, and smart, but the gore and sexual threats make it tough going for the squeamish. Fans of Stephen King's book may be surprised by some of the changes to the story, but it all works as a movie. Gerald's Game is a tight thriller with a strong psychological core. Other performances, including those of Bruce Greenwood, Henry Thomas, and a very expressive dog, are first-rate as well. Still, there are moments that are hard to watch for any but horror fans. No kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the gruesome violence found in many horror movies. Many teen and young adult fans find the genre to be "fun" (e.g., Scream, A Nightmare on Elm Street). Gerald's Game isn't meant to be fun. It's neither exaggerated nor filmed for humorous shock value. Do you think the movie will appeal to the typical horror fan? Why or why not?
Do you have a brutality tolerance level? How much gross violence is too much for you? Try to determine what exactly makes you turn away from a scene because you simply can't watch.
Why is it important for families to understand the impact of violence on kids?
Think about the art direction. How did Mike Flanagan and his team use the lighting (both exterior and interior), doors and windows, furnishings, and even the fabrics to contribute to the overall mood?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 29, 2017
- Cast : Carla Gugino , Bruce Greenwood , Henry Thomas
- Director : Mike Flanagan
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 103 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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