Stoker

Movie review by Jeffrey Anderson, Common Sense Media
Stoker Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 17+

Stylish but gruesomely violent thriller riffs on Hitchcock.

R 2013 98 minutes
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Parents say

age 16+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 16+

Based on 4 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Stoker is a dark thriller that riffs on Hitchcock's Shadow of a Doubt and has nothing to do with Dracula author Bram Stoker. The movie is filled with gruesome murders and lots of blood, including spraying, spattering, and dribbling down a wall. Characters are strangled; others are killed with hunting rifles, rocks to the head, and pruning shears to the neck. There's some strong, somewhat dark sexual innuendo. A teen girl masturbates in the shower (a nipple and buttocks are shown), and there are kissing scenes with both teens and adults. One adult character drinks wine regularly and perhaps overindulges a bit too often. A teen girl gulps a glass of wine. Language is sparse, with only a use of "bitch." The movie is very stylish and non-realistic, and teen movie buffs -- especially those familiar with director Park Chan-wook's Korean films -- will be interested in seeing it. But it's recommended only for the most mature viewers.

Community Reviews

christian2011
christian2011 Adult
December 21, 2013
age 16+

Dark psychological thriller too intense and complex for younger viewers. 17+

Stoker is literally one of the best films of 2013, mainly because they made the cinematography, setting, and plot quite simplified and subtle yet with a mesmerizing, incoherent, and slightly Gothic tone, which makes this film very intriguing and fascinating to watch yet compelled by the brilliant acting, scenery, and the overall dark tone which makes it more thought provoking. I'm not including any details of the story (potential spoilers), but Stoker is generally about an introverted and shy teenage girl who tries to adjust to life after her beloved fathers sudden death, until her mother introduces her to her mysterious and shady uncle Charlie. Stoker is not for everyone, because the mature themes and subject matter it deals with can be disturbing and unsettling for most viewers, especially a graphic murder sequence, bullying at school escalating to a confrontation, attempted rape, and a scene of masturbation combined with nudity.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
wonder dove
wonder dove Adult
July 1, 2013
age 16+

Didn't like it.

Okay, I tried watching this movie twice. The first time I could only get about half way through. I watched it all the second time and happened to get through it all...very very very slow movie. At first it seems like a strange story, but it does add up and make sense. I do like the storyline, however, it was just way too slow moving. Actors did an amazing job, so I rated it two stars. Mia Wasikowska is a fantastic young actress. I'd recommend a one time watch, but I personally wouldn't watch this film again. Language is not a problem, a couple name calling words. Sexual content has some nudity (not sure why people are saying too much nudity? There's only one semi-scene in a shower!) also some sexual innuendo, a man gropes a woman, a sensual piano playing session, a female masturbation scene (not bad) and some kissing. Violence is gory, some murders occur, the face of a dead body is seen in a freezer, pencil stabbings, kicking and strangling, some bullying. No smoking or drug use at all, just some drinking. Not for kids under 16!

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
See all 2 parent reviews

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

Our Editors Recommend

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