Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Exceptionally simple, smart, scary monster movie.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Lights Out
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 13 parent reviews
Based on 94 kid reviews
Kids say this horror film is a blend of eerie suspense and jump scares, making it both captivating and terrifying, especially for younger viewers who may fear the dark. While it features a creative concept and solid performances, some found it lacking in depth and original storytelling, deeming it more suitable for older teens due to its thematic elements and occasional violence.
- creative concept
- jump scares
- intense for kids
- suitable for teens
- lacks depth
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
A man (Billy Burke), concerned about the well-being of his sick wife, Sophie (Maria Bello), and scared son, Martin (Gabriel Bateman), is attacked and killed by a terrifying creature that only seems to exist in the dark with the LIGHTS OUT. At home, young Martin is also terrorized by the creature and calls his rebellious older half-sister, Rebecca (Teresa Palmer), for help. Accompanied by her kind, patient boyfriend Bret (Alexander DiPersia), Rebecca learns that the creature was once a woman called Diana, who had a brutal childhood and a chronic sensitivity to light. She also learns that Diana was once Sophie's friend and that Sophie may have something to do with Diana's reign of terror. Can Sophie's kids stay in the light long enough to defeat the monster?
Is It Any Good?
This simple but effective horror movie seems to do everything exactly right. It's smart, clever, and very scary, and it doesn't bother with any of the lazy, cynical stuff associated with the horror genre today. Written and directed by David F. Sandberg -- making his feature debut after some spooky short films -- and co-written by veteran horror screenwriter Eric Heisserer, Lights Out starts by creating a great new movie monster. They establish clear rules for their Diana and then run with every conceivable variation on their idea; the movie is full of unexpected surprises.
Helped by strong performances, especially from standouts Palmer and Bello, the characters are sharply drawn and sympathetic. They also behave logically -- and even when they do go into the dark, scary basement, it's only to look for the fuse box. The movie even avoids the usual, annoying, fake "look out for the sequel" ending. It's the rare horror movie that shows its audience respect and delivers a quality tricky treat.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Lights Out's violence. How does it make you feel? How does it accomplish that? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Is the movie scary? What's scary about it? Why is it sometimes fun to be scared?
Is Rebecca a role model? What are her flaws? What are her strengths? Does she come through for those who need her?
What does it mean to be a monster? Why do you think Diana does the things she does? Do you feel sorry for her?
What's the friendship like between Diana and Sophie? Have you ever had an unusual friendship?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 22, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : October 25, 2016
- Cast : Teresa Palmer , Maria Bello , Billy Burke
- Director : David F. Sandberg
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Fantasy
- Run time : 81 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : terror throughout, violence including disturbing images, some thematic material and brief drug content
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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