Common Sense Media Review
By Jordan Elizabeth
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Perfectionist seeks more authentic life in mature drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Violet
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In VIOLET, Violet (Olivia Munn) is a successful movie producer who's consumed by the negative voice in her head (Justin Theroux) that she refers to as "the committee." This voice spews constant criticism, verbal abuse, and threats. In the beginning, Violet finds a sense of comfort in listening to the voice; keeping herself small and obedient means that she doesn't have to risk being her true self. Then the voice causes her to "see red," which is visually represented by the screen becoming red in color. First, Violet lashes out at her best friend when asked about a passion project she hasn't pursued. Then does the same to an ex-boyfriend when she learns that he's married with a child. Violet starts to evaluate the hold that "the committee" has on her life and on her relationships. Why hasn't she followed through on her dreams? Why has she limited herself to romantic partners whom she thinks would benefit her career? Why has she put up with unkind, manipulative co-workers? So she commits herself to being free and starts to challenge all of the negative voices in her life: her boss, her brother, her aunt, her co-workers, her society, and, especially, the committee. Violet must decide whether she's willing to exchange her calculated, risk-free life for an imperfect life of freedom.
Is It Any Good?
Director Justine Bateman's drama explores negative self-talk, which is a particularly important topic for young people as they develop their own self-image. Violet's negative voice and her authentic voice are represented as visual opposites, similar to the old device of the angel and the devil on each shoulder. The negative voice is narrated by a male voice that causes Violet to "see red." The authentic voice is shown as text on the screen, unheard, and written in white cursive. The negative voice refers to Violet in the second-person perspective ("you"), while the authentic voice refers to her in the first-person ("I").
It's significant that the negative voice Violet hears is that of a White man: It represents the dominant narrative in society and the ways that that narrative's expectations and conditioning can harm women and others. Violet, however, does not make this connection explicit. Still, there's power in the message that you can let go of stories and beliefs that hold you back. It's worth noting, however, that the character who helps Violet with this realization is her Black friend, Lila (Erica Ash). That puts her in the all-too-cliched role of the "magical Black character" whose purpose is to help other characters in their self-actualization, all while accepting their mistreatment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Violet exercises personal courage in the movie. In what ways is she brave?
Why do you think the voice in Violet's mind is called "the committee"? Have you ever felt judged by others -- or yourself?
What is the significance of the voice in Violet's head being a man's?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 29, 2021
- On DVD or streaming : November 9, 2021
- Cast : Olivia Munn , Luke Bracey , Justin Theroux
- Director : Justine Bateman
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Relativity Media
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language throughout and some sexual references
- Last updated : November 22, 2021
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