Common Sense Media Review
By Marty Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Solid sci-fi puzzle box show has intense, violent sequences.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Peripheral
What's the Story?
In THE PERIPHERAL Flynne (Chloe Grace Moretz) and her brother, Burton (Jack Reynor), earn money by grinding through levels in virtual reality video games. One day, they're hired to test a sim that's more advanced -- and more satisfying -- than anything they've seen before. But once Flynne becomes immersed, the game threatens to destroy her real life ... and possibly those of everyone she loves.
Is It Any Good?
This thrilling series seems to have learned from Westworld's mistakes. That show's first season was vague and mysterious but left little for viewers to hang their hat on besides trying to guess the secret twist. While there are plenty of questions and twists to track in The Peripheral, too, this time the characters are asked to solve them, rather than the audience. Viewers can try to guess what's going on, but they can also simply enjoy the suspense as Flynne navigates immense danger while trying to figure it all out herself.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the setting. When does the main action in The Peripheral take place? When is the sim set? What are the differences between these worlds and our present world? What does the show try to illuminate about contemporary life?
How do the realities in The Peripheral overlap and affect one another? How do characters from each world interact? How do the characters change when they enter or exit the sim?
How does Flynne's behavior change after beginning to play the sim? What choices does she make that she wouldn't have before? What motivates her decisions?
Do you think the violence is necessary to the story in The Peripheral? Why, or why not? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 20, 2022
- Cast : Chloe Grace Moretz , Jack Reynor , Gary Carr
- Network : Prime Video
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 26, 2024
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