Warm Bodies

Movie review by Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media
Warm Bodies Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 14+

Despite violence, book-based zombie romance is OK for teens.

PG-13 2013 97 minutes
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Parents say

age 12+

Based on 11 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 51 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that, given the current popularity of zombie apocalypse stories, Warm Bodies should appeal to plenty of teens. With its Romeo and Juliet romance and appealing leads -- not to mention a popular young adult book as its source material -- the movie is aimed squarely at adolescent viewers. There's a notable amount of violence, including a considerable body count (zombies kill humans and eat their brains). Although the zombies barely speak, there's some strong language (one "f--k," several uses of "s--t," "a--hole," etc.), and a sweet romance that builds up to a passionate kiss (as well as some making out shown in flashbacks). But overall, there's less sexual content here than in the book. Despite the violence, this is a funny love story at heart.

Community Reviews

Lilea rermeg
Lilea rermeg Adult
October 10, 2020
age 12+

A great movie to show kids (a great message)

As you can see in the title, this movie has a wonderful message. There is violence but that’s the only reason I made the rating 12, otherwise so would have put lower. There is no sexual-ness except for a kids and that’s it.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Tracy M.
Tracy M. Adult
May 4, 2018
age 12+

A sweet, feel good movie

There is nothing in this movie that is offensive. There is no blood as such and there is no violence (apart from a couple of scenes in the beginning but it is quite light hearted). It is a little creepy at times but I am easily scared and it was no more than a couple of jumps. Overall, this is a very sweet, romantic and positive film. Kids over 12 are certainly okay to watch it (even perhaps younger if they are not bothered by zombies and the like). There is no swearing or foul language, nothing inappropriate and no sex scenes.
See all 11 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In a post-apocalyptic universe, "R" (Nicholas Hoult) is an airport-dwelling zombie who's still newly dead enough to feel conflicted about his ravenous need for human brains. On a hunting expedition to the city with his grunting BFF "M" (Rob Corddry), R and his zombie clique attack a group of heavily armed young adults who are out on a scouting mission. R kills the group's leader, Perry (Dave Franco), and grows immediately smitten with his victim's girlfriend, the comely blond Julie (Teresa Palmer). With Perry's memories fresh on his undead mind, R grabs Julie and takes her back to the airport. As R and Julie get to know each other, their flirting stirs something in R's heart and allows him to recapture part of his humanity. Unfortunately, Julie is the daughter of General Grigio (John Malkovich), who would never condone Julie's fondness for a "corpse."

Is It Any Good?

Move over, vampires, the zombies are upon us, and they're hilarious. These aren't the mindless savage zombies of George Romero or The Walking Dead, and this isn't an origin story like 28 Days Later. Based on author Isaac Marion's clever young adult novel, WARM BODIES is part Romeo and Juliet love story, part Shaun of the Dead biting comedy. It's funny, contemplative, and sweetly romantic. The leads have an authentic chemistry that makes for a perfect date movie for both teens and adults (thanks to the soundtrack featuring '80s classics like Bruce Springsteen's "Hungry Heart," Guns N' Roses' "Patience," and John Waite's "Missing You").

Hoult is clearly one of England's most talented young imports. The former star of the edgy U.K. series Skins, he's transformed from the dorky young star of About a Boy into a handsome leading man with a knack for comedy, drama, action, you name it. The same goes for his Aussie leading lady, who can play tough and tender with equal flair. The small supporting cast is great (Corddry is a laugh, Analeigh Tipton is lovely as Julie's best friend, and Malkovich is Malkovich), the script is witty, and overall Warm Bodies is a well-edited, well-acted adaptation of a memorable book.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what R and Julie's story has in common with Romeo and Juliet. What are the similarities (and differences) between them and Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers?

  • Some have criticized Warm Bodies for breaking established "zombie rules" the way that Twilight breaks vampire rules. Do you think it matters whether a zombie has ever been able to heal himself in a story before?

  • For those familiar with the book, what do you think about the changes the filmmaker made? Which changes did you appreciate, and which aspects of the book did you miss?

  • If you haven't read Isaac Marion's book, does the movie make you want to?

Movie Details

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