Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this dark gothic thriller centers on a dancer (played by Natalie Portman) who's so obsessed with perfection that she's obliterated by it. Her pursuit is tragic, filled with self-mutilation and fear -- all of it intense material that may prove too much for younger viewers. Expect many disturbing scenes of mental and physical anguish, some violent fights, and a character who hurts herself and purges -- perhaps in response to the pressures she puts herself under. There's also some swearing (including "f--k" and "s--t"), pill-popping, and a few graphic, sexually-charged scenes (including one with bare breasts and another featuring two women).

Sexual Content

A woman masturbates; she's clothed, but it's clearly implied. A woman performs a sex act on another woman (viewers don't see body parts, but there's no mistaking what position they're in). A woman makes out with a bunch of men in a drugged haze. A man touches a woman's genitals while he's teaching her some dance steps; he also forces her to kiss him. Bare breasts are flashed.

Violence

Characters torture themselves mentally and physically. A character purges and punishes her body with grueling workouts; she also cuts herself. When her mind starts to fall apart, she becomes delusional, sure that her skin is turning reptilian and that there are sharp objects oozing out of her wounds. She throws objects, rips drawings, screams. The movie shows the brutal aspects of ballet, including the injuries -- especially bleeding toenails, mangled feet, and achy bones. A woman is shown stabbing another with a shard of glass; the wound festers.

Language

Fairly frequent swearing, including "f--k," "s--t," "pr-ck," "d--k," "p---y," "ass," "oh my God," and "damn."

Social Behavior

While Nina's dedication could be seen as admirable, it consumes her to the point of destruction. The message may be to find balance, that nothing is worth losing yourself -- not even what appears to be your dream come true. Viewers may also find themselves thinking about the concept that insanity can feed good art -- but is it necessary to make good art?

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Two young women get drunk at a nightclub. They also pop pills. Another woman, embittered because she has been replaced, causes a scene after getting drunk.