Want more recommendations for your family?
Sign up for our weekly newsletter for entertainment inspiration
Take This Waltz
By S. Jhoanna Robledo,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Drama about love, temptation has lots of mature content.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
Where to Watch
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
Margot (Michelle Williams), a 28-year-old sometime writer, is married to Lou (Seth Rogen), a kind and funny cookbook writer. Together they live a sweet life, trading banter, hugs, and love. They've been married for five good years. Five familiar years. There are no surprises. Until, on a research trip, Margot meets Daniel (Luke Kirby), a rickshaw-puller and artist who catches her eye. On the plane, they also trade banter -- but this time it's unfamiliar and compelling. As it turns out, Daniel lives across the street from Margot and Lou, and his presence isn't something Margot can easily ignore. She feels pulled to him and he to her, calling into question the happy life that Margot thought she had been, up until this point, leading.
Is It Any Good?
TAKE THIS WALTZ is beautiful, thought-provoking, and filled with graceful, cinematic moments and breathtaking performances. (Williams is especially good, as is Sarah Silverman, surprisingly, as Lou's alcoholic sister, Geraldine). It explores, with great intelligence, what happens in relationships when they feel settled and when something (or someone) comes along to destabilize them, even unintentionally.
It's also peppered with some overly precious moments (though overall the dialogue is phenomenal), and the lovely set design and direction sometimes cross the line into self-conscious hipsterdom (there are too many soft-focus scenes). And, it has to be said, the subject matter is somewhat self-indulgent, too. We understand that Margot is suffering from a kind of ennui that, at first quietly and then explosively, destructively renders what once was satisfying into tedium. But we've seen this in other movies already. The grass may be greener, but is it worth crossing the fence? Still, TAKE THIS WALTZ is a small film with a lingering, potent effect -- rather like meeting someone new you think you could love when you're with someone you already do.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Take This Waltz depicts sex and relationships. Is there a positive message here? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding these topics.
Do you think all long-term relationships eventually lose their luster? How can a couple avoid being tempted by something new?
Do you think Margot made the right choice? Does she regret her actions?
Movie Details
- In theaters: June 29, 2012
- On DVD or streaming: October 23, 2012
- Cast: Luke Kirby , Michelle Williams , Sarah Silverman , Seth Rogen
- Director: Sarah Polley
- Inclusion Information: Female actors, Black actors
- Studio: Magnolia Pictures
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Friendship , Great Girl Role Models
- Run time: 116 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language, some strong sexual content and graphic nudity
- Last updated: April 5, 2023
Inclusion information powered by
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate