Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Lovelace is a biopic about Linda Lovelace, star of the infamous 1970s porn movie Deep Throat. There's some female toplessness and plenty of sexual innuendo and sexual suggestion, but not much sex is actually shown for a film about porn. Spousal and sexual abuse are also intense parts of the plot, but the movie manages to keep most of it off screen or suggested, rather than shown. Language isn't frequent but is very strong and includes many sexual terms. And there's plenty of drinking and drug use. The movie is very sympathetic toward its heroine and celebrates her efforts to stand up against a dark and brutal world, but it's still not meant for kids.
Sexual
Content
Linda is shown topless for some photo shoots. There's strong innuendo and references to oral sex. The plot of the (real-life) porn movie Deep Throat is discussed. A married couple is shown in bed together, with suggested sex (both intercourse and oral), but little nudity is shown. The main character has many partners, though all of them unwilling. A man shows his bare bottom for a camera.
Violence
Though the movie isn't constantly violent, the main character is the victim of spousal abuse. Her husband beats her and forces her to have sex with other men for money. Most of this is suggested, heard, or shown off screen, but that doesn't keep it from being disturbing and intense. In one scene, her husband throws her up against a wall. He carries a gun that he fires in anger from time to time. In a late scene, he's whipped with his belt.
Language
Language isn't constant, but "f--k" is heard in many forms, as well as "t-ts," "ass," "c--k," "p---y," "bitch," "clitoris," "balls," and "cum," plus "Jesus Christ" and "God" (as exclamations).
Social
Behavior
The movie makes a strong case for standing up for yourself against bullies and abuse, even at the risk of safety and comfort. As part of the main character's recovery, she gets married and starts a family.
Consumerism
Not applicable.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Drugs and drinking are prevalent in the world of 1970s porn. The main character smokes pot. Her mom and dad drink whisky at home. There's champagne at parties. Linda is seen taking pills. Linda's husband snorts huge amounts of cocaine in later scenes.