Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Liberal Arts centers on the budding relationship between a teenage college girl and a man in his mid-30s and looks at whether they can make things work despite the significant age difference. Don't expect any teen-sex comedy cliches -- this thoughtful film starring writer-director Josh Radnor (from the sitcom How I Met Your Mother) and Elizabeth Olsen, tackles the question realistically, and the couple works through their obvious attraction and the equally obvious hurdles they face. Expect some swearing and drinking, and one sex scene that takes place in the dark but has some very obvious sounds.
Sexual
Content
A college student discusses whether she should sleep with an older man. A couple has a one-night stand, with some brief sex sounds that take place in the dark. People are shown after having sex. A couple kisses warmly.
Violence
Not applicable
Language
Relatively infrequent swearing includes "screw," "p---y," "sucks," and "screw you." Two people flip each other off.
Social
Behavior
Love can strike anytime and anywhere -- but in the real world, not every pairing can work, even between people who get along wonderfully. This film examines the possibilities of a May-December flirtation between a young college girl and a man approaching middle age, who wonder whether love is enough to sustain them. They think carefully and thoughtfully about the implications and make well-reasoned decisions.
Consumerism
The film promotes Kenyon College, where it was filmed.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Some drinking at meals and social events, and a bit more drinking at college parties. One woman lights up a cigarette after sex.
