Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this is a very scary movie about evil triumphing over good. The most vulnerable creatures -- animals, a newborn baby, loving parents and grandparents -- are stalked, threatened, and destroyed by a little boy who uses his extraordinary intelligence to wreak havoc on the world around him. There are upsetting deaths and some blood, though much of the actual destructive violence is implied and takes place off screen. Some drinking and swearing (including "f--k").

Sexual Content

One scene of affectionate sexual foreplay between husband and wife. No nudity. A new mother is shown using a breast-pump.

Violence

Much of the actual destructive behavior is implied and takes place off camera. A dead woman is shown with pooling blood around her. Animals die under suspicious circumstances. The lead female character is graphically seen stepping on broken glass. Child is beaten by father.

Language

Plenty of swearing: "F--k," "bulls--t," etc.

Social Behavior

Evil triumphs over good. Intelligent, loving parents are no match for a child with a deadly agenda and without a conscience. Superior brain power and artistic genius are equated with stop-at-nothing wickedness. A Christian fundamentalist is portrayed as well-meaning but narrow-minded and cluelessly ineffectual.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Casual drinking: wine at dinner, a champagne toast. In one scene, a lead character drinks when upset.