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The Swearing Jar
By Kat Halstead,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Romantic drama has strong language, themes around death.
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The Swearing Jar
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What's the Story?
In THE SWEARING JAR, Carey (Adelaide Clemens) meets her soulmate in fun loving husband Simon (Patrick J. Adams). But then she meets musician Owen (Douglas Smith) and must come to terms with the idea that her life could have two great loves.
Is It Any Good?
Strong performances and great chemistry anchor this romantic drama that tracks the journey of not one, but two relationships side by side. The Swearing Jar's screenplay is well structured to gradually reveal events that lead to a music concert -- thrown by central character Carey for her husband Simon's 40th birthday -- bookending the narrative.
The film's hovering sense of doom is lifted skilfully by a playful tone and a number of musical interludes. A slightly overlong running time and a few narrative dips let it down in places. But an appearance by the ever-watchable Kathleen Turner and a more original approach to what is a well-worn story make this an enjoyable watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the strong language in The Swearing Jar. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How did the movie approach the difficult subject of death? How is it experienced by different characters? How to talk to kids about difficult subjects.
How did the movie portray sex? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Talk about the themes of honesty, forgiveness, and empathy. Where were they present and how did they affect the narrative?
Discuss the narrative structure. How did gradually revealing the events right up until the end add to the experience of the movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters: September 23, 2022
- On DVD or streaming: September 23, 2022
- Cast: Adelaide Clemens , Douglas Smith , Patrick J. Adams
- Director: Lindsay MacKay
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Gravitas Ventures
- Genre: Romance
- Topics: Music and Sing-Along
- Character Strengths: Empathy
- Run time: 111 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: June 5, 2023
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