Common Sense Media Review
By Christie Cronan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Post-apocalyptic horror/thriller has violence, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Hidden (2015)
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
HIDDEN tells the post-apocalyptic story of Ray (Alexander Skarsgård), Claire (Andrea Riseborough), and their 7-year old daughter, Zoe (Emily Alyn Lind), as they struggle to survive underground while hiding from a mysterious threat looming above. Living in fear and darkness inside a bomb shelter for more than 300 days, the family has been able to turn their bunker into a home. But now their safe haven has been breached. Something is coming for them, and hiding is no longer an option.
Is It Any Good?
Psychological thrills and a claustrophobic, slow-building tension leave viewers literally in the dark until the last third of this film. This twist on a post-apocalyptic thriller is more mood than story-based, with tightly framed shots and a strong performance by Skarsgård helping to solidify the intimate, isolating feel. Hidden hones in on a patient, slow-burning, yet suspenseful progression -- as well as viewers' emotional attachment to the characters -- before the unexpected climax. There are a few flaws, including questionable super rats and an unknown restroom situation. But despite the movie's low budget, if you're in the mood for a slow-burning psychological thriller over the usual gore-fest, Hidden is a hidden gem in the post-apocalypse/monster genre.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Hidden compares to other post-apocalyptic movies. Why is the end-of-the-world genre so appealing to filmmakers and viewers? Is the constant state of fear as frightening as the violent scenes?
This film introduces an epidemic fear instilled by a "virus outbreak" and "quarantine," all occurring pre-COVID-19. How do these topics resonate with you now, post-pandemic? How do you think you would have reacted to these topics pre-pandemic?
How realistic is the film's depiction of post-apocalyptic living? Do you think you could survive living in fear cramped in a bunker for that long? How do you think your psyche and mood would be affected?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 15, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : October 15, 2015
- Cast : Alexander Skarsgard , Andrea Riseborough , Emily Alyn Lind
- Directors : Matt Duffer , Ross Duffer
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Thriller
- Topics : Fantasy
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 83 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some violence/terror
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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