Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Disconnect is a sobering and compelling drama that shows both adults and teens trying to find a way to express themselves -- and connect with each other -- online. Sometimes, it's for fun, but often, it's because they're lonely and sad and are looking for support. And other times, it's to hurt, bully, or belittle others, which can have very serious consequences. The Internet is also presented as a vehicle for exploiting young people, who may be trading their bodies for money. Expect scenes in which teens are baring body parts, either via webcam or pictures, and online sex workers are shown bare-breasted. There's also some frank talk about sexual acts, a confrontation with a gun, images of a suicide victim, and some drinking, pot smoking (an adult smokes with a teen), and swearing ("bitch," "s--t," "f--k," and more).
Sexual
Content
Teens send racy pictures of each other via text and email; in one, an underwear-clad woman's lower torso is shown. A scene shows online sex workers talking to their clients while wearing very little clothing (bare breasts are visible); an adult flirts with a teenager.
Violence
A man vows to seek revenge after his and his wife's identities are stolen, which leads to a confrontation with a gun; two boys mess with a classmate online and make fun of him; a character is found hanging from the ceiling; two men start beating each other up in the wake of a tragedy.
Language
Frequent use of everything from "f--k" and "s--t" to "damn," "ass," and "bitch," used both by kids and adults.
Social
Behavior
The movie is intense and sometimes bleak (with some bullying), but in the end, it shows how adults are struggling to understand and help teens who are disaffected and disenchanted and attempting to make connections online -- and those who may be looking for a way to communicate their feelings by way of the Web, too.
Consumerism
Plenty of labels/logos are seen and shown, including Apple, Dell, iPad, Facebook, Sony, Adidas, MasterCard, and more.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Some scenes show adults drinking; an adult smokes pot with a teenager.
