Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Slow, predictable horror movie has some disturbing images.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Nocturne
What's the Story?
NOCTURNE (2020) is about twin sisters Juliet (Sydney Sweeney) and Vivian (Madison Iseman) who're attending a prestigious performing-arts school, each hoping to become a famous concert pianist. Vivian is more talented than Juliet, and Juliet's jealousy and ambition start to come to the surface. Juliet discovers a strange notebook that belonged to a student who committed suicide recently. The notebook's filled with strange writing and even stranger pictures. As Juliet is drawn more and more to the notebook and the student it belonged to, things shown in the pictures start to happen in real life to Juliet, things that advance her musical career and jeopardize Vivian's. How far will Juliet go to make her dreams come true?
Is It Any Good?
Despite a solid, if not very original premise, this horror movie never manages to build up much momentum, dread, or excitement. Nocturne (2020) is pretty slow paced, and expect lots of shots of piano playing in between disturbing images. The biggest problem, though, is that almost every twist or event is broadcast well ahead of time, so the only real surprises are the visual ones, and they aren't all that strong, either. Fans of horror movies are likely to be disappointed, and it's unlikely to win anyone over who wasn't already a fan.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Nocturne depicts teen drug and alcohol use. Is it realistic? Does it matter if it is? Is it glamorized, or are there consequences?
What about the sexual content? How much is OK in movies and other media?
Why are horror movies so popular? What do we love about a good scare, or even about being grossed out? What are some of your favorite horror movies?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 13, 2020
- Cast : Sydney Sweeney , Madison Iseman , Ivan Shaw
- Director : Zu Quirke
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Prime Video
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Arts , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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