Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that About Alex is an ensemble drama about characters in their early 30s who gather together when one of their friends attempts suicide. Though suicide is a main topic of the movie, it's not really discussed in any depth except to say that it's a bad idea. But some blood is shown in a bathroom where the character made his attempt. Language is quite strong, with words like "f--k," "bulls--t," and "a--hole" used throughout. Characters are heard having sex, and sex is discussed, though there's no nudity. Viewers see characters kissing, and occasionally characters try to kiss people who aren't their partners (these attempts are usually rebuffed). Characters also smoke pot and drink a good deal of alcohol, and some of the characters smoke cigarettes. Older teens may be interested in adopting this as their generation's The Big Chill or The Breakfast Club.
Sexual
Content
No nudity is shown, but characters are shown kissing and are heard having sex. Characters sometimes try to kiss people who aren't their regular partners, though these kisses are often rebuffed. One woman may be pregnant; she explains to her friend that she's "late."
Violence
One of the movie's main subjects is suicide. A character climbs into the bathtub fully clothed and sends a tweet. He's next shown returning from the hospital with bandages on his wrists. The bathroom, with blood on the tub and on the floor, is shown. There's a minor car crash, and characters frequently argue, although they remain good friends. One of the characters works for a suicide hotline.
Language
Several uses of "f--k" and "a--hole" and a few uses of "s--t"/"bulls--t" and "ass," plus a use of "Jesus Christ" (as an exclamation).
Social
Behavior
Though suicide is one of the movie's main themes, it doesn't really discuss the repercussions of the act except to say: "Don't do it. Life is better."
Consumerism
Familiar beer labels are briefly seen, and characters sometimes use their mobile devices, though brand names aren't really shown.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
During a weekend with friends, characters frequently drink wine or beer, and most smoke pot at least once. Some of the characters are shown smoking cigarettes. Two of the characters take prescription anti-anxiety drugs like Xanax.
