Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Blackbird is a coming-of-age drama about a gay, black, Christian teen in Mississippi. Plot elements/themes include a missing teen, arguing, slapping, virginity loss, and references to abortion and suicide. Teens think and talk about sex frequently. The main character has erotic dreams about kissing and having sex with boys; he experiences "nocturnal emissions" (a shot of semen is shown). He also kisses a boy while awake. Language is very strong, though it's used in just a few scenes; viewers will hear "f--k," "s--t," and "c--k" in various permutations. There's also a brief, possible drug appearance, when a teen smokes a brown cigarette that could be pot. The movie is awkward but earnest, and it might be helpful to older teens in similar situations.

Sexual Content

Several sexy dream sequences with kissing and grinding. References to "nocturnal emissions." Main character scoops semen from sheets with his finger. Several implied sex scenes. Characters think and talk about sex constantly. A shot of a "meet hot guys" website. Losing their virginity is important to the characters.

Violence

A teen girl is missing. Arguing, slapping, some references to teen suicide/death. Hallucination of a bloody handprint.

Language

Strong language in a few scenes: "f--k," "motherf----r," "c--ksucking," "s--t," "ass," "suck," "jerk off," "hell."

Social Behavior

Emphasizes tolerance; also shows sympathy toward characters who've suffered losses.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Teen shown smoking a strange-looking brown cigarette (it may be pot).