Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Grey Gardens, the 1970s documentary about a codependent mother and daughter who related to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, is a tragicomic portrait of two women who have seen better days. As such, the behavior and living conditions of these two might be a bit much for younger, less mature viewers. "Big Edie" and "Little Edie" are often seen in their shared bedroom drinking rum and Coke while arguing about the events that led to their shared destiny of living together for decades in the crumbling mansion named Grey Gardens. Their behavior is erratic and eccentric at best, but what emerges is a provocative portrait of two fiercely independent women who lived through a time and high society where the options for women who wanted to shape their own destinies were limited, and must live with those consequences.

Sexual Content

"Little Edie" believes that a much-younger gardener is interested in having sex with her, which leads to an argument with her mother. During a later argument, one of "Big Edie's" breasts briefly hangs out as she bends over to pick something up.

Violence

Not applicable

Language

"Damn," "Goddamn," "hell."

Social Behavior

The film gently wrestles with how society perceives mental illness, eccentricity, and aging. The codependency between the two women is clearly problematic in some ways, but it's handled carefully and with tact.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

In their room, Big and Little Edie drink from a bottle of rum. During Big Edie's birthday party, attendees drink wine and beer.