Moffie

Kids say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Moffie
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Moffie is a very affecting and challenging drama -- set in 1981 during the South African apartheid -- with strong (homophobic and racist) language, violence, and nudity. The movie shines a harsh light on racial and homophobic prejudice, without pulling any punches. Forced to do two years compulsory military service, Nicholas van der Swart (Kai Luke Brummer) must also try to keep his sexuality secret from the rest of his fellow soldiers. During their training, the young White soldiers are taught to hate their Black counterparts and there is much bullying among the ranks. Many of the youngsters are onboard, but you do sense some aren't. The violence is unforgiving too. There is an upsetting attack on a defenseless Black man at a train station and a young man takes his own life by shooting himself in the head. Other people are killed during conflict. There are several uses of the "N" word, "f-g," and "f--got," while the film's title is a derogatory South African slur for homosexuals. The word "c--t" is also used on numerous occasions. There is full-frontal male nudity, but the camera shot is blurry. There is one sexual encounter between two young men, and in another a character is seen masturbating, but the camera remains on his face. Characters drink alcohol and smoke, and two young soldiers are seen injecting morphine. The movie is in both English and Afrikaans (with English subtitles).
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
MOFFIE tells the story of Nicholas van der Swart (Kai Luke Brummer), a teen growing up in South Africa's apartheid, all the while trying to hide the fact that he is gay. When he turns 16 years old, he is forced to serve two years of military service. It's here where he truly understands the reality to the hatred that has torn his nation apart. It also reiterates to him the need to keep his true identity a secret. But then he meets Dylan Stassen (Ryan de Villiers).
Is It Any Good?
This powerful drama is a challenging watch, but it's undoubtedly a rewarding one. There are some scenes in Moffie that are incredibly difficult to sit through. But it's a testament to filmmaker Oliver Hermanus that it never feels gratuitous, or implemented for mere shock value, instead driving the narrative forward, painting a raw, and uncomfortable picture of apartheid in South Africa during the 1980s.
Brummer is brilliant in the lead role, and given there's not much by way of dialogue, what he manages to convey through nuance, and internalized emotions, is impressive to say the least. The movie is immersive too, thanks in part to the wonderful score, which creates an uneasy ambiance. The audience can smell the sweat of the dorm and feel the heat of the climate and atmosphere. This may not be a film you want to see numerous times. But to experience it once, you'll be thankful you did, because it's a powerful piece of cinema deserving of its critical acclaim and multiple high-profile award nominations.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the hateful and strong language used in Moffie. How did it make you feel hearing such vile language used toward gay people and the Black community? Why was including this kind of language important to telling the story?
Discuss the violence in the movie. Did the violent scenes help tell the story in an effective way? How to talk to kids about violence, crime, and war.
Nicholas is secretly gay, unable to come out given the society he lives in. Did you find this surprising? Do you think society has improved in how we treat the LGBTQ+ community, or do you still feel frustrated at the lack of inequality that remains?
How was sex portrayed in the movie? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Were the nude scenes handled sensitively?
What did you know about apartheid in South Africa before watching this movie? What more did you learn from it? Were you shocked that such a cruel regime existed in such recent times? Is it important that we confront situations such as these?
Movie Details
- In theaters: April 9, 2021
- On DVD or streaming: April 9, 2021
- Cast: Kai Luke Brummer, Matthew Vey, Ryan de Villiers
- Director: Oliver Hermanus
- Studio: IFC
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: History
- Run time: 104 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love powerful dramas
Themes & Topics
Browse titles with similar subject matter.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate