Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Disturbing images and clear message in Efron survival drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Gold
What's the Story?
A man (Zac Efron) who's down on his luck discovers a massive GOLD rock off of a desolate roadway. While he waits for his partner (Anthony Hayes) to return with equipment, he must fend off potential claimants, as well as the brutal elements of nature.
Is It Any Good?
Efron's dystopian fable is something of a treasure: Its message is delivered with such visual impact that you'll never be able to scrub it from your memory. While his character tries to protect a patch of gold in the desert, he's slowly destroyed by the unforgiving environment, his body barely mobile, his mind turning to dust. It's hard to watch and impossible to forget.
Efron's "Man One" is made relatable by keeping his past and his thoughts out of viewers' reach: We don't know what he's been through, just that he and the world are experiencing turbulent times, and becoming rich seems like a godsend. As he navigates the dry, arid elements, the movie's long silences let viewers wonder what they might do if they were in his shoes. Writer-director and co-star Hayes uses gorgeous cinematography as a reminder that Mother Nature may be beautiful, but she will protect herself. Efron puts it all out there, and those who prefer to think of him as Troy from High School Musical should skip this one. The actor is making it clear, though, that he's more than a pretty face -- and after seeing Gold, you'll never look at his face the same way.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Gold's violence. Do the disturbing images serve a purpose, and, if so, does that make a difference in their impact?
How does Gold put you in the shoes of the main character, understanding his financial desperation and empathizing with how he got into this position?
What is a fable, and what purpose does it serve? How is this story similar to myths/stories like the one about King Midas or "The Flies and the Honey Pot"? At times, we all face temptation: Do you think you'll remember the moral of this film?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 11, 2022
- On DVD or streaming : June 14, 2022
- Cast : Zac Efron , Anthony Hayes , Susie Porter
- Director : Anthony Hayes
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Screen Media Films
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and some violent content
- Last updated : June 15, 2022
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