Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this complex and troubling film will be too intense for many teens. The movie's few violent scenes are graphic and wrenching. Family communication is minimal and searing. The film depicts domestic violence and implies, while not actually showing, that children witness the abuse. The characters' practically palpable grief will be too much for some young viewers, particularly those who may have lost a close relative or friend.

Sexual Content

No visible encounters, but off-screen sexual activity clearly implied.

Violence

Most violence occurs off-screen, although the resulting wounds can be explicit, including, most graphically, a close-up of a face after it is shot.

Language

Strong language in several scenes.

Social Behavior

Characters resort to violence as revenge. Family members use extremely abusive and cruel language as main means of communication. A young college boy is involved with an older, separated-but-still-married mother of two children.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Sissy Spacek's character smokes constantly. Some references to possibility of alcoholism.