Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Inane political satire is pointless; masturbating monsters.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Rumours
What's the Story?
In RUMOURS, the seven world leaders of the G7 summit have one last task: to write their joint statement about how they plan to handle a global crisis. When the summit staff disappears, the leaders venture out to find help—but first, they must get through the woods and survive being chased by bog mummies.
Is It Any Good?
Guy Maddin, a celebrated director in his home country of Canada, is known for his genre benders, but this soapy satire is silly for silly's sake. After enduring two hours of mind-numbing, tiresome "entertainment," Rumours might lead some viewers to wistfully envision a tariff on Canadian cinematic exports. You can try to discern meaning in the madness ("Politics is masturbatory?" "World leaders are being chased by the darkness of our history?" "Is this actually just about writer's block?"), but filmmakers have said in an interview that there really isn't any meaning. They just thought it would be funny. Some decisions—such as having the American president (Charles Dance) speak with a British accent for no particular reason—feel like "why nots?" And Maddin has even said he opted against editing, thinking that tightening the film would reduce the laughs (he's wrong).
All of that said, Rumours may still connect with Maddin's fans and audiences who enjoy wacky and experimental cinema. Star Cate Blanchett's talent is a wonder, a master class in what skilled actors can produce with virtually nothing to work with. And, with seemingly so little effort, budget, and production value invested, one potential use for the film is to encourage teens with filmmaking aspirations to just go make their movie: It can't be worse than this.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what "punching up" means in comedy. Does Rumours do that? Can you think of other movies and TV shows that do?
What is satire? How does Rumours fit the definition?
The filmmakers intentionally abandon typical filmmaking rules, like tonal consistency and a clear message. Compare this to other experimental cinema you've seen.
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 11, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : November 12, 2024
- Cast : Cate Blanchett , Alicia Vikander , Charles Dance
- Directors : Guy Maddin , Galen Johnson , Evan Johnson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Bleecker Street
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Fantasy
- Run time : 103 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some sexual content/partial nudity and violent content
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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