Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Crass comedy with great cast, racial jokes, and language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Gutter
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Walt (Shameik Moore) is an out-of-work man living with his mom on the edge of poverty when he lands a job at a local bowling alley in THE GUTTER. There, he befriends alcoholic and former pro bowler Skunk (D'Arcy Carden), who drinks at the bar all day. When Skunk discovers Walt's unusual bowling skills, she sees an opportunity to get back in the pro game, earn some money to save the struggling bowling alley, and maybe even get revenge on her pro bowler mom (Susan Sarandon) in the process.
Is It Any Good?
Even while you're laughing along at the absurdity of this film and its very funny character actors, you might find yourself wondering why it exists. The Gutter has no real reason for being: no truly insightful social messages, nothing seriously at stake for most of its characters, no novel filmmaking techniques or styles. What it does do, and very well, is offer a showcase for the comedic talent of its cast, especially Moore, Carden, and the always reliable Sarandon. You might find yourself howling at some scenarios in this film, even as you cringe at others (see Paul Reiser's character in particular). And maybe the laughs are enough.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why the idea of a pro bowler who is Black, like Walt in The Gutter, is meant to be unusual. Where could you go for more information about the backgrounds of other pro bowlers and the history of the sport?
The film has a lot of race- and sex-related jokes. Did any feel like they went too far? Do you think comedy should ever have topics that are off-limits? Why, or why not?
Why do Walt and Skunk bond so quickly? What about their characters makes them so compatible?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : March 12, 2025
- Cast : Shameik Moore , D'Arcy Carden , Susan Sarandon
- Directors : Isaiah Lester , Yassir Lester
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , African American Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Bisexual Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Hulu
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some sexual material and brief drug use
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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