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Parents' Guide to

Seberg

By Jeffrey Anderson, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Fascinating, tragic story of Jean Seberg vs. the FBI.

Movie R 2019 96 minutes
Seberg Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 16+

Based on 1 parent review

chelesmile
chelesmile Adult
May 20, 2021
age 16+

True life story of an actress

Great movie about Jean Seberg who was put under survelience by FBI.. Sad story of an actress that wanted to make a difference, and the government with help of media stopped her in her tracks. Sad but good movie, not to long. She seemed ready to take life on but cracked under pressure. Stewart did a great job in the movie. Wish they would have showed more of her husband in movie.

This title has:

Great messages
Too much sex
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

In SEBERG, it's 1968, and actress Jean Seberg (Kristen Stewart) is well known for her roles in movies like Bonjour Tristesse and Breathless. She lives in Paris with her husband, Romain Gary (Yvan Attal), and their son. On a plane trip to Los Angeles, Seberg meets African American activist Hakim Jamal (Anthony Mackie) and then poses for a photo with him giving the Black Power salute. The two begin an affair, and Seberg also donates money to his cause. Meanwhile, since the FBI has targeted Jamal as a "subversive," Seberg also becomes a target. Two agents -- kind Jack Solomon (Jack O'Connell) and ruthless Carl Kowalski (Vince Vaughn) -- are assigned to follow, bug, and photograph her. Hounded and scrutinized, her life starts to fall apart, and Solomon's conscience starts to bother him. Can he undo the damage that's been done?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Once it becomes clear that this biopic is really only half about Jean Seberg, then it starts to work in its own fascinating, tragic way, driven by Stewart's fierce, fervent lead performance. Directed by Benedict Andrews, Seberg -- which probably ought to have been called Seberg vs. the FBI -- introduces us to a headstrong Jean Seberg; a prologue shows how she was actually burned during the burning-at-the-stake sequence of Saint Joan, her first film, and survived. Throughout the movie, Stewart sports Seberg's trademark pixie haircut and an array of dazzling '60s fashions, proving that she's not afraid. Yet the movie also captures her humanity, the way she carries her many burdens, and it's possible to empathize with her.

O'Connell is the movie's other main character, a reader of Captain America comics who's married to med student Linette (Margaret Qualley), with whom he's unable to talk to about his top-secret work. He's likewise an engaging soul, and the eventual meeting between him and Seberg is a necessary coda. Despite some overblown moments and simplistic shortcuts, the movie looks great, with fine cinematography by Black Panther's Rachel Morrison that emphasizes a trapped feel even within the open spaces of Los Angeles. And director Andrews allows even the supporting characters to come to life; Qualley is especially good, as is Zazie Beetz as Hakim Jamal's wounded wife. Seberg may not be a definitive biopic of this lovely, sad celebrity, but it's still a fascinating movie.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Seberg's depiction of sex and sexuality. What values are imparted? How do characters feel about or react to extramarital affairs?

  • How are drinking, smoking, and drug use portrayed? Are they glamorized? Are there consequences? Why does that matter?

  • How does the movie handle racism? How do racist characters justify their beliefs? How can racism be combated?

  • Did this movie encourage you to learn more about Jean Seberg?

  • What's the appeal of celebrity biopics? How does this one compare with other movies about Hollywood stars?

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