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Parents' Guide to

The Perfection

By Renee Schonfeld, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 18+

Violent, gory horror-thriller; language, sex, nudity.

Movie NR 2019 90 minutes
The Perfection Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • The Perfection Movie: Lizzie & Charlotte
  • The Perfection Movie: Charlotte Hers Her Own Music
  • The Perfection Movie: The First Duet
  • The Perfection: Charlotte Confronts an Adversary

Community Reviews

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age 17+

Based on 10 parent reviews

ek8carp
ek8carp Adult
September 4, 2020
age 18+

Sexual Abuse & Complete Cringefest Ending

First off, I'm a young adult, not a parent, but as a woman, I was so utterly disappointed with this movie and felt the need to steer as many people away from it as I could because it is NOT preaching the right messages about sexual abuse...While this movie gives you the overall impression that it will be a classical music variation of Black Swan, this is not at all the case. Why actresses Logan Browning from Dear White People and Allison Williams from Get Out would choose to be a part of this movie is beyond me! This movie is not at ALL what was advertised or promised to me... If you have a weak stomach, this movie is not for you and if you are a survivor of sexual abuse, this movie is also NOT for you, as much is it may try to convince you otherwise...Without actually spoiling the ending, I will instead tiptoe around and give you a gist of why it's so messed up: Basically, the writers of this movie used sexual abuse/rape as a plot device for revenge in the last 15 minutes of the movie and the motives are SO. QUESTIONABLE. One character literally justifies heavily drugging another character, feeding into their hallucinations, and persuading them to cut off their hand as a way of escaping their abuser. It's supposed to be this "eye-opening," empowering, epiphany moment, when really, it was just an excuse to use gore in a movie. And if you're familiar with the gory daylight horror film Midsommar, then let me tell you— this ending's gotta be its watered-down, still disturbing cousin. Now, rape is a terrible, terrible, serious, inexecusable crime, but having its female victims counteract it with more violence is not the answer— That's just not what feminism's about! Sorry not sorry! Getting closure and professional help is one thing, but getting revenge is another. That being said, if you want ACTUAL good thriller recommendations, check out Parasite or Black Swan. Both are EXCELLENT excellent films!! Highly recommend.
tvacute
tvacute Adult
June 27, 2020
age 15+

a prefect Movie

See all 10 parent reviews

What's the Story?

As a teen, Charlotte Willmore (Allison Williams) had to leave a promising career as a cellist in THE PERFECTION. Her mother's stroke ended her residency at the prestigious Bachoff Academy. After more than a decade of being cared for her by her devoted daughter, Charlotte's mother dies. Tentatively, Charlotte makes her way back to Bachoff. Though Anton (Steven Weber), the head of the academy, is overjoyed to see her, Charlotte is immediately drawn to the young woman who took her place. Lizzie (Logan Browning) is a cellist virtuoso just as Charlotte was. Urged by Anton, the two play a duet and an immediate and intense connection is made. Seemingly on a whim, Charlotte joins Lizzie on the younger woman's planned vacation trip to Shanghai. When Lizzie becomes seriously ill in China, Charlotte tries desperately to help her... until strange and devastating events plunge them into nightmarish circumstances and a journey from which they may never return.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (10 ):
Kids say (13 ):

Director Richard Shepard and his willing cast deliver a provocative, original, and gruesome psychological thriller that will surprise, repel, and satisfy fans who love bizarrely-clever horror films. Twists and turns come both when you expect them and when you don't. Viewers shouldn't look too closely at every plot point (Why in the world would Lizzie be sent away at such an inopportune time?), but a willingness to suspend disbelief throughout will be rewarded by the film's spectacularly freakish resolution. And, the less you know about the story going in, the better. The Perfection is only suitable for grownups with strong stomachs and an affinity for the macabre.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the violence and brutality in The Perfection. How did you react to some of the more shocking events? Did you cover your eyes? Laugh at the excess? Were you aware of how much violence in the film is directed toward women?

  • Why do you think audiences find "revenge" movies so appealing? What emotions or experiences do those movies tap into? In real life, what does revenge accomplish?

  • Describe your feelings about Charlotte. How did your attitude toward her change as the movie moved forward? When, if ever, was she sympathetic? Besides her acting skills in a demanding role, why was casting Allison Williams a smart decision? What is there about Williams that helped make the character believable?

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