Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Chatroom is an English movie based on a play. It tells the story of five troubled teens who meet in an online chatroom. The movie fictitiously shows them sitting in a room together, although in "reality," they are at their computers. Teen suicide is an issue, and a few brief but disturbing examples are shown: a hanging, jumping from a window, and wrist-cutting. There are some other violent images, including yelling and an animated depiction of the Black Plague. Sex is referred to in graphic terms, though little is actually shown. Language is fairly strong, with a use of "f--k," several uses of "s--t," and uses of "bitch," "ass," etc. The word "bitch" is shown written on a car in what looks like dog poop. One of the teens takes medication ("Prolexia") for depression, and another teen is shown briefly with a glass of wine. The movie is not very deep, but it should plant some interesting seeds of discussion within thoughtful teen viewers.
Sexual
Content
Sex is referred to often. A sex chatroom is shown with characters speaking in graphic terms, referring to "touching myself," "rape scenarios," "shag me in the mouth," etc. No nudity is shown, but women wear revealing clothing. A male teen character feels confused and guilty about being attracted to his friend's 11-year-old sister.
Violence
A character flashes to a suicide attempt, sliced wrists with blood shown. An Internet video shows a girl committing suicide by jumping out a window. A boy is shown hanging from a noose. Characters are referred to as pedophiles ("pedo") for short. A strange violent scene is shown with several men yelling at each other, and at a young boy, in a foreign language. We see a playful, but violent animated video of the Black Plague. A gun is shown.
Language
"F--k" is used once. "S--t," "bitch," "ass," "piss," "prick," and "hell" are used and "Jesus Christ" is heard. Some English slang, such as "cheeky bugger" and "taking the piss" are used. The word "bitch" is written on the front of a car in what looks like dog poop.
Social
Behavior
These characters aren't particularly deep, and this downbeat movie does not have a cheerful ending, but it should still give thoughtful teens something to talk about. Can chatrooms be trusted? Should they be avoided? What is the purpose of chatrooms? What are the advantages and disadvantages of chatrooms versus real life?
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
One of the teens is shown with a glass of wine. Another teen takes pills for depression. The bottle reads "Prolexia." At one point he dumps the bottle in the toilet.
