Parents' Guide to The Deep Blue Sea

Movie R 2012 98 minutes
The Deep Blue Sea: Tom Hiddlestone standing behind Rachel Weisz ready to kiss her neck

Common Sense Media Review

Alistair Lawrence By Alistair Lawrence , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 14+

Themes of suicide and infidelity in 1950s-set British drama.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 14+?

Any Positive Content?

  • The Deep Blue Sea Trailer
  • The Deep Blue Sea movie poster: Rachel Weisz and Tom Hiddlestone in a dancing pose, smiling at each other
  • The Deep Blue Sea: Simon Russell Beale sits on a bed looking at the camera
  • The Deep Blue Sea: Rachel Weisz smokes by a window showing her reflection

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What's the Story?

THE DEEP BLUE SEA tells the story of an affair between Hester Collyer (Rachel Weisz), a high-court judge's wife, and Royal Air Force pilot Freddie Page (Tom Hiddleston) in 1950s Britain.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

This British romantic drama is a slow-burning adaptation of Terence Rattigan's classic stage play. The Deep Blue Sea takes place in smoke-filled rooms and revolves around the inner torment of a woman dealing with her decision to leave her conventional and conservative husband for a temperamental lover. Set over the course of one day, there are flashbacks and glimpses of what drove Weisz's Hester into her current, tragic predicament. Her new partner, Freddie, is unable to shake off a sense of loss after serving in World War II, while her spouse sways between expressing his sorrow and frustration with her decision to leave him. Director Terence Davies lets the plot unfurl slowly, and plenty of prolonged silences fill the air, trapping us with Hester as she watches the consequences of her actions spiral out of her control. Anyone familiar with the original text might find this version too pared back, though, with one storyline minimized. And even those who aren't could well complain that it's too mannered and quiet. Weisz's performance raises the tension even in its most subdued moments, though, to ensure an artful character study of someone unwilling to compromise or apologize for staying true to herself.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how The Deep Blue Sea portrayed sex and relationships. Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.

  • How were Hester's mental health struggles depicted in the film? How did other characters react to them? Do you think attitudes toward mental health have changed since when the film was set? If so, how?

  • How were smoking and drinking depicted in the film? Were they glamorized? Do you think attitudes toward smoking and drinking have changed from when the movie was set?

  • The film was adapted from a play. Could you tell? What other movies based on plays have you seen?

Movie Details

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The Deep Blue Sea: Tom Hiddlestone standing behind Rachel Weisz ready to kiss her neck

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