Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Offbeat British kidnap thriller; violence, language, drugs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Heel
What's the Story?
In HEEL, married couple Chris (Stephen Graham) and Kathryn (Andrea Riseborough) kidnap Tommy (Anson Boon), a young man with a reputation for violence and drug use. With Tommy chained in their basement, Chris and Kathryn hope their extreme interventions will compel him to change his ways.
Is It Any Good?
A tight and often creepy British thriller, this is a slippery movie to pin down and tough to love, despite its many qualities. Heel's lead characters carry the film, but their decisions might divide opinion. Graham's physical performance perfectly embodies the misguided oddball who'd justify kidnapping a young man to reform him. Young actor Kit Rakusen, who plays Jonathan—Chris and Kathryn's 10-year-old son—matches Graham for a standout performance. Meanwhile, Riseborough haunts the house with a pale, far-away portrayal. Some clunky dialogue and forced moments strip away some impact but overall, Heel is an unusual and enjoyably quirky thriller with black humor and commentary on social media, society's expectations, and found family.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Heel. Did it feel excessive or just right for the tone of the movie? What were the effects of violence on the characters? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
How were drinking, smoking, and drugs portrayed? Were there consequences? Did the film glamorize them? Does that matter?
Discuss the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie? Is a certain level of language expected in a film like this?
What were the motivations of Chris and Kathryn? How were they portrayed?
How was sex portrayed in the film? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 6, 2026
- Cast : Stephen Graham , Andrea Riseborough , Anson Boon
- Director : Jan Komasa
- Inclusion Information : Multiracial Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Magnolia Pictures
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : March 3, 2026
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