It Follows Parents Guide: Official Content Advisory & Age Rating
Quick Summary
- R-rated horror content
- Strong sexual themes
- Frequent violence depicted
- Profane language present
Understanding a film's content is crucial for parents deciding if it's suitable for their family. The horror film It Follows, directed by David Robert Mitchell, has garnered attention for its unique premise and unsettling atmosphere. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the movie's content, focusing on elements relevant to parental discretion. Released in 2014, It Follows tells the story of 19-year-old Jay, who finds herself pursued by a relentless, malevolent entity after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter. The curse is passed through sexual contact, and the entity can take the form of any person, slowly but ceaselessly following its victim. This narrative has led to various interpretations, from an allegory for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the inevitability of death, to the anxieties of adulthood and absent parental figures. For many, its masterful blend of suspense and dread makes it a modern horror classic.
- 📋 Guiding Your Family's Viewing Choices: What to Know
- 📍 Accessing Detailed Film Content Summaries
- ⭐ Key Aspects of the It Follows Content Overview
- ⚠️ Understanding Film Classifications and Parental Guidance
- 🔒 Making Informed Decisions for Safe Entertainment
- 🎧 Official Help Desk Contacts
- ❓ Common Parental Questions About It Follows
Guiding Your Family's Viewing Choices: What to Know
- Parents should be aware that It Follows is rated R by the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) in the U.S., and similarly classified by other rating boards, such as Te Mana Whakaatu, the Classification Office in New Zealand.
- This film contains mature themes and is generally intended for adult audiences due to its intense horror elements, pervasive sexual content, and strong language.
Accessing Detailed Film Content Summaries
- To access detailed content summaries for It Follows and other films, navigate to official classification websites or reputable parental advisory platforms. For example, the New Zealand Classification Office website (classification.govt.nz) offers in-depth classification statements.
- Once on the site, use the search function to locate the film title, such as 'It Follows'. This will bring up the official classification details, including the age rating, content warnings, and a detailed explanation of why the film received its particular rating.
- Review the specific content descriptors provided, which break down instances of violence, sexual content, language, and other thematic elements. These descriptions are essential for understanding the nuances of the film's mature material.
Key Aspects of the It Follows Content Overview
- The official content overview highlights frequent violence and horror elements. This includes scenes where the monster stalks and kills characters, a disturbing depiction of a character hit by a car, and accidental injuries caused by characters attempting to shoot the entity.
- Sexual and romantic content is a prominent feature, central to the plot. The film includes brief, non-explicit sex scenes, often with characters clothed and angles making the activity hard to see. There is also a brief image from a magazine depicting naked women and a suggestion of sexual activity between the monster and a human.
- Crude or profane language is present, featuring words such as "f**k," "sh*t," and "bullsh*t."
- The film also depicts drug and alcohol content, with characters smoking cigarettes, consuming beer and liquor from various containers, and one character taking a pill.
- Underlying spiritual elements involve an occult-like curse and an entity that can assume human forms, contributing to the film's pervasive sense of dread.
- Despite its dark themes, some reviews note a positive aspect in the portrayal of friendship and sacrifice, as Jay's friends rally to help her, though this is often complicated by the nature of the curse.
Understanding Film Classifications and Parental Guidance
⚠️ Unclear Age Rating Implications
Cause: An 'R' rating or similar classification can be broad, and parents may not fully understand what specific content is included.
Solution: Consult detailed classification statements from official bodies like the New Zealand Classification Office or Plugged In. These resources provide breakdowns of violence, sexual content, language, and thematic elements, helping you interpret how the rating applies to your family's values.
⚠️ Difficulty Discussing Sensitive Content
Cause: Parents might find it challenging to talk to older children or teenagers about the mature themes, such as sexual transmission or trauma, present in the film.
Solution: Focus on the film's allegorical nature and deeper meanings, such as its commentary on the inevitability of death, the anxieties of young adulthood, or the impact of trauma, rather than just the literal plot points. Discussing these broader themes can open a dialogue and help viewers process the film's unsettling aspects.
⚠️ Concern About Psychological Impact
Cause: The sustained dread and unsettling nature of 'It Follows' might be psychologically disturbing for some viewers, even those of appropriate age.
Solution: Recognize that individual sensitivities vary. If certain content lingers or causes distress, encourage open communication with friends or family. For ongoing concerns, resources like 1737, Safe to talk, Lifeline, or Youthline (as suggested by the Classification Office for New Zealand residents) can offer support.
Making Informed Decisions for Safe Entertainment
- 🔒 Always check official film classification websites, such as your national film rating board, for accurate and detailed content advisories before allowing viewing.
- 🔒 Engage in conversations with older children and teenagers about the themes and mature content they encounter in films, helping them develop critical viewing skills and process difficult subjects.
- 🔒 Be mindful of the psychological impact of horror films. Even if a film is age-appropriate, its themes or intensity might still be unsettling, so consider individual sensitivities.
🎧 Official Support & Help Center
If you are experiencing distress from content or need support, please reach out to helplines like Lifeline or Youthline. For official film classification inquiries, refer to your national film classification board's website (e.g., classification.govt.nz in New Zealand).
Common Parental Questions About It Follows
Q: Is It Follows appropriate for a 14 year old?
Given its R-rating (or similar classifications like 17+) and detailed content warnings for frequent violence, strong sexual themes, and pervasive language, It Follows is generally not considered appropriate for a 14-year-old. The film deals with complex and mature themes that may be disturbing.
Q: Why is It Follows rated R?
It Follows received an R-rating primarily due to its intense horror violence, pervasive sexual content and thematic elements, and strong language throughout. The narrative itself is built around a sexually transmitted curse, which inherently involves mature themes.
Q: Is It Follows a scary movie?
Yes, It Follows is widely considered a scary movie, praised for its masterful use of sustained dread, unsettling atmosphere, and psychological horror. It relies more on slow-burn suspense and an inescapable threat rather than jump scares, making it psychologically intense.
Q: What is the moral of the movie It Follows?
While there isn't a single definitive moral, It Follows is often interpreted as an allegory for various anxieties. Common readings include the inevitability of death, the trauma of sexual assault, the burdens passed down from one generation to the next, and the anxieties of young adulthood and lost innocence. It sparks discussion on themes far beyond a simple cautionary tale about STIs.
Wrap Up
Armed with a clear understanding of its content and themes, parents can make informed decisions about whether It Follows is suitable for their household. This film offers a rich, albeit disturbing, viewing experience for mature audiences, prompting discussions on deeper societal and personal anxieties. Prioritizing open communication and utilizing official resources remains key to navigating the complex landscape of film content.