Parents' Guide to Starfish

Parents need to know that Starfish is a heavy British drama that deals with the after effects of a devastating illness and the impact it has on a family. Inspired by a real-life case, Tom Ray (Tom Riley) suffers disfigurements and amputations after contracting sepsis. At the start of Tom's illness, he is shown in pain and distress. He is later seen in hospital where he requires both arms and legs to be amputated. The movie tries to communicate a positive message where possible, despite Tom's difficult circumstances. This is often done through Tom's wife, Nicola (Joanne Froggatt). She supports her husband while raising two young children and dealing with her own shock caused by Tom's illness. She must also contend with the family's financial troubles. Both Tom's and Nicola's mothers feature in supporting roles, causing conflict within the family on occasion. Less positive representations are of various medical professionals, who frequently ignore severe symptoms and dismiss concerns that Tom's condition is more serious than what it turns out to be. Tom's depression and trauma sometimes boil over, causing him to snap at loved ones and one occasion smash a wine glass in frustration. Characters are shown drinking wine with meals. But there are some instances of Tom drinking alone while suffering from depression and feelings of helplessness. Some occasional swearing includes variants of "f--k."

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