Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violent, gory horror-thriller; language, sex, nudity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Perfection
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 10 parent reviews
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say that this movie is a highly controversial piece, praised by some for its originality and emotional depth but criticized by others for its graphic content and disturbing themes, including sexual violence and gore. While it captivates some viewers with its shocking twists and musical elements, many find it overly grotesque and unsuitable for younger audiences.
- original content
- graphic themes
- strong reactions
- unsuitable for kids
- disturbing imagery
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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?
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?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : May 24, 2019
- Cast : Allison Williams , Logan Browning , Steven Weber
- Director : Richard Shepard
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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