Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Love & Mercy is an excellent biographical drama about the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson, who's shown during two points in his life. The biggest issue here is heavy drug use -- ranging from pot to LSD; characters also smoke cigarettes and pipes and drink beer and hard liquor. Language includes a use of "f--k," as well as "s--t," "t-ts," and more. There are images of and verbal references to a violent, abusive father beating his son, as well as references to death by drowning and suicide. A man flirts with a woman and stares at her chest, and they eventually sleep together (nothing graphic shown). For music fans, this movie is something quite extraordinary, reaching far deeper than the usual biopic. It could also bring newcomers closer to Wilson's amazing music.
Sexual
Content
A couple is shown asleep together in bed (presumably after sex). Flirting. Man stares at a woman's chest.
Violence
A character tells an intense story about being beaten by his father. Shot of father hitting son. References to death by drowning and to being suicidal.
Language
A use of "f--k," plus "s--t," "bitch," "t-ts," "piss," "slut," "goddamn," "oh my God," "Jesus Christ," and "for Christ's sake" (all as exclamations).
Social
Behavior
Offers an in-depth depiction of the creative process and its various struggles and victories. Also portrays an empathetic character trying to help someone who can no longer help himself. It's suggested that using drugs can help expand an artist's horizons, but not without limits.
Consumerism
Nike shoes shown.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Heavy drug use, including pot, LSD, etc. Also prescription pill use, cigarette/pipe smoking, and beer/hard alcohol drinking. While the drug use isn't exactly glamorized, it's suggested that it helps Wilson expand his horizons as an artist.
