Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sex, drinking, swearing in intense, panicky thriller.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Inheritance
What's the Story?
In INHERITANCE, Maya (Phoebe Dynevor) is surprised when her estranged father, Sam (Rhys Ifans), attends her mother's funeral. Sam offers Maya a job in his real estate venture, which requires the two of them to travel to Egypt to meet with clients. But on their first day in Cairo, Sam is kidnapped. As Maya tries to comply with the kidnappers' demands, she learns that there's much more to her father—and to herself—than she'd realized.
Is It Any Good?
Director Neil Burger's coming-of-age frenzy is a gripping edge-of-your-seat thriller. Inheritance is a fun movie to dissect after viewing, since there's some clever scripting to be discovered. But even if teens don't access the movie's deeper meaning, they'll understand the theme of overcoming emotionally stunting family dynamics and learning to stand on your own.
The film stands out for its unusual up-close cinematography. A handheld camera is positioned right next to Maya, looking over her shoulder, up close to her face, and following her gaze when she spots something concerning. This allows viewers to experience Maya's fear and confusion but still feel like an observer, as if we're a friend accompanying her on her journey. By combining this "best friend" photography with a discomforting, urgent musical score, the movie makes Maya's fears our fears. And as she travels through New York, Cairo, New Delhi, and Seoul, focused on the mission rather than seeing the sights, we get a whiff of what these destinations are like, creating a much more realistic experience than the "cinematic travelogue" common to many spy films. Maya grows up and sees the world through the difficult situation she's in, and, since viewers are right there with her, they grow up a little, too. Just know that this is not a daddy-daughter movie, but rather a "daddy issues" movie.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the ways the director makes us feel Maya's terror and the danger she's in in Inheritance without actually showing violence. How does this elevate the one act of violence she does experience?
How does Maya demonstrate curiosity, courage, and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?
In each country she visits, a man offers to help keep Maya safe. What happens in the last country, and what does that signify to us about Maya and her character growth?
What are we supposed to understand from the opening sequence about Maya's behavior and how that informs the decisions she makes? Are drinking or smoking glamorized? Are there realistic consequences? Why does that matter?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 24, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : February 14, 2025
- Cast : Phoebe Dynevor , Rhys Ifans , Kersti Bryan
- Director : Neil Burger
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : IFC Films
- Genre : Thriller
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity , Perseverance
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and some sexual content/nudity
- Last updated : March 30, 2025
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