Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Controversial cult horror has strong sexual violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
I Spit on Your Grave
What's the Story?
In I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE, writer Jennifer (Camille Keaton) leaves her home in New York and rents a quiet cottage by a lake to write her first novel. While there she is subjected to a prolonged series of violent sexual attacks and left for dead by a group of four local men led by mechanic Johnny (Eron Tabor). But by the time they realize she has survived, Jennifer is ready to take her revenge.
Is It Any Good?
One of the most controversial "video nasties" out there, this 1978 horror's reputation very much precedes it. Banned in countries around the world at the time of its release, and still banned in some places, I Spit on Your Grave is famous for its brutal scenes of gang rape and its revenge storyline. Visually very dated, and lacking in high production values from the start, the film still relies heavily on its explicit nature and shock value. It continues to polarize audiences today. Some maintain that it is sick, nasty, and exploitative, its violence gratuitous and unnecessary. Others have studied the way the rape scenes are filmed and argue they are often from Jennifer's point of view and are therefore purposely portraying the horrors of the experience away from the male gaze.
Then there's the revenge aspect, in which Jennifer is considered to be empowered and somehow victorious in exacting physical violence on her attackers. This might make more sense were the runtime a little more balanced in her favor. Her ordeal takes up the majority of the film, with some of her male attackers "getting their comeuppance" in just a few short minutes. Remakes since have similarly failed to take a clear stance on some of these controversies and such is the impact of the film that it will likely remain a talking point for years to come. For those who are intrigued, go in prepared for a troubling experience guaranteed to make an impact -- whatever that may be for you.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the depiction of sexual violence in I Spit on Your Grave. Was it necessary, important, and/or exploitative? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Discuss the strong language used. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How was sex portrayed in the movie? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Discuss the controversy surrounding the film. Did you find it exploitative or empowering to women? Can you understand why it was banned in some countries? Discuss the idea of censorship and the banning of media.
How are the male relationships portrayed in the film? How did the group dynamic effect individual behavior?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 22, 1978
- On DVD or streaming : May 10, 2022
- Cast : Camille Keaton , Eron Tabor , Richard Pace
- Director : Meir Zarchi
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Cinemagic
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : November 11, 2021
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