Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Shyamalan's found-footage spooker has teens in peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Visit
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 20 parent reviews
Parents say the film generates mixed reactions, with many finding it creepy and unpredictable, while others criticize its lack of true horror and deem it unsuitable for younger viewers. Though some appreciate the humor interspersed with tension, numerous reviews highlight elements that could be disturbing or inappropriate for children, suggesting it's better suited for older teens.
- creepy and unpredictable
- humor mixed in
- not for younger viewers
- better for teens
- mixed reactions
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 94 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a blend of horror and dark humor, with varying degrees of scariness; while some viewers found it terrifying and engaging, others felt it was not very scary and even amusing in parts. Many highlighted disturbing scenes involving bodily functions and violence, but opinions diverged on its age appropriateness, suggesting it might be too intense for younger children despite its PG-13 rating.
- terrifying
- dark humor
- disturbing scenes
- age appropriateness
- mixed reactions
- not too scary
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Thirteen-year-old Tyler (Ed Oxenbould) and 15-year-old Becca (Olivia DeJonge) agree to spend a week with their grandparents while encouraging their mom (Kathryn Hahn) to take a vacation with her boyfriend. The kids have never met their grandparents, "Nana" (Deanna Dunagan) and "Pop Pop" (Peter McRobbie), at least partly because when their mother left home 15 years earlier, something terrible apparently happened. At first things seem fine, but then Nana and Pop Pop start behaving strangely. Even if it can all be explained -- Nana gets "sundown" syndrome, and Pop Pop requires adult diapers -- it doesn't quite ease the feeling that something's wrong. Meanwhile, Becca documents their visit on video, hoping to capture something that explains it all.
Is It Any Good?
After several perplexing misfires, writer/director M. Night Shyamalan has scaled back, gone for a lower budget and a lighter tone, and emerged with his most effective movie in over a decade. THE VISIT begins interestingly; the potentially creepy moments can be easily explained away and even laughed off, but the director still manages to create a subtle, creeping dread that steadily builds toward the climax.
Shyamalan uses the found-footage concept with more creativity than most other filmmakers, displaying his usual intriguing grasp of three-dimensional space, as well as empty space. The characters themselves are even aware of certain cinematic theories that could make their "documentary" more interesting. They're refreshingly intelligent and self-aware, and they never blunder stupidly into any situation. If the movie has a drawback, it's that fans will be looking hard for clues to one of Shyamalan's big "twists." As to what it is, or whether there is one, we're not saying.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Visit's violence. How much is shown, and how much is suggested? How did it affect you? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Tyler considers himself a "ladykiller." Is his dialogue inappropriate for someone his age?
Tyler likes to rap and posts videos of himself. Is he expressing himself, or is he merely seeking fame? What's appealing about fame? Is it OK for kids to start their own online channels?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 11, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : January 5, 2016
- Cast : Kathryn Hahn , Ed Oxenbould , Olivia DeJonge
- Director : M. Night Shyamalan
- Inclusion Information : Indian/South Asian Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : disturbing thematic material including terror, violence and some nudity, and for brief language
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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