Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Engaging but uneven political drama has mature content.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Miss Sloane
What's the Story?
Lobbyist Elizabeth Sloane (Jessica Chastain) didn't get where she is -- courted by clients and feared by opponents -- by being shy, retiring, or easily defeated: MISS SLOANE aims to win. That's what motivates her the most. But then Elizabeth decides to leave an established firm and join an upstart outfit fighting for gun control laws, an issue for which she was previously recruited to fight by pro-gun politicians. This makes her no longer the hunter, but the hunted. Her enemies won't rest till she loses and is humiliated, possibly even in jail. Who will prevail?
Is It Any Good?
Chastain is singularly responsible for elevating this film from a just-OK political drama/thriller to a compelling one. She expresses so much with just a quiver of her eyelid or a deep breath. When she's onscreen, you can hardly take your eyes off her. Never mind that sometimes the wonky dialogue gets so dense that you need a weed-whacker to get through it, or the scene plotting so circuitous that you really could use a map.
These complaints aside, Miss Sloane is supremely watchable, albeit confusing in parts. The strong ensemble helps, led by the confident Mark Strong as Elizabeth's boss and Gugu Mbatha-Raw as a new colleague with something to hide. And in the end, the story feels urgent, relevant, and, yes, necessary.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Miss Sloane depicts the business of lobbying. Is there any benefit to it? Do you think it's portrayed honestly/fairly?
Is Elizabeth Sloane a hero or an anti-hero? What's the difference? If her character was a man, do you think he'd be under the same microscopic scrutiny?
Parents, talk to teens about Elizabeth's dependence on pills. Does the movie glamorize her substance use?
What role does sex play in the story?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 25, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : March 21, 2017
- Cast : Jessica Chastain , Gugu Mbatha-Raw , Alison Pill , Sam Waterston
- Director : John Madden
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : EuropaCorp
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 132 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and some sexuality
- Last updated : April 23, 2025
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