Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Stylish but gruesomely violent thriller riffs on Hitchcock.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Stoker
What's the Story?
On the occasion of the death of Richard Stoker, his teen daughter, India (Mia Wasikowska), must begin adjusting to life without her beloved father. They had a special bond that India's mother, Evelyn (Nicole Kidman), never shared. Now, things are thrown further off-balance by the sudden reappearance of Richard's estranged brother, Charlie (Matthew Goode). Charlie starts subtly manipulating Evelyn while keeping an eye on India, and India begins to notice that some of his odd behavior indicates a predilection for murder. But an even bigger shock is in store for India when she discovers that she, herself, might share the same tendencies.
Is It Any Good?
Korean director Park Chan-wook tends to have a stylish obsession with violence; Stoker has little in common with his prior works, though, which may disappoint die-hard fans. But moviegoers coming in fresh will discover a fascinating thriller that's expertly constructed to elicit darker emotions, rather than simple spine tingles.
Stoker borrows a few ideas from Hitchcock's Shadow of a Doubt (1943), but it quickly diverges from that movie into frightening new territory. Park's patient storytelling and odd imagery (a tiny spider, large round boulders, fancy shoes, a dried blood trail, etc.) contribute to a unique vision that's altogether different from the Master of Suspense. It's admirable how effortlessly Park adapts to English, fearlessly exploring his creepy, squirmy themes without compromise. He's a most welcome new addition to Hollywood.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Stoker's violence. How does it work within the context of the story? Could it have been less gruesome?
What is India's relationship with her mother like? How do they communicate? How could they improve their communication?
Does India seem too young to be so sexualized? What message does her character send teens who might see the movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 1, 2013
- On DVD or streaming : June 18, 2013
- Cast : Matthew Goode , Mia Wasikowska , Nicole Kidman
- Director : Park Chan-wook
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Korean Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Fox Searchlight
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : disturbing violent and sexual content
- Last updated : September 1, 2022
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