Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this violent, mature crime drama from the filmmakers behind Fargo isn't for kids. Scenes include bloody wounds, jarring acts of aggression (shooting, fighting), and psychological abuse (the primary villain is especially unnerving in his calm demeanor, callousness, and ingenuity). Several scenes involve lengthy shootouts between characters with large guns, as well as contemplations of the bloody aftermath. You can also expect frequent references to drugs (the $2 million at stake is part of a heroin deal gone bad), some drinking, and language (the one use of "f--k" is by a young boy).

Sexual Content

Villain is naked in a bathtub, but no explicit shots.

Violence

Lots of violence, both brutal acts and bloody aftermath. Sheriff describes crime scenes (e.g., "blood all over the floor"). Weapons include shotguns, knives, and pistols; villain also uses an oxygen tank to shoot through victims' heads (no bullet, deadly hole). Several shootouts go on for long minutes, featuring blood, stylized shadows, speedy cuts, loud guns, and breaking glass and furniture. Early scene includes multiple corpses shown shot and drying in the sun, as well as a survivor begging for water. A dog attacks Llewelyn, who shoots it mid-leap (no blood, but big teeth and loud noise); he's left with wounds and bloody feet. Villain washes and sews his own bloody wound (shown in close-up). Shooting victim shows bloody neck and gurgles; body left floating in a pool; other bodies in a parking lot and motel room. A car accident leaves a man bloody; he stumbles out and reveals his broken arm (bone exposed) to two boys.

Language

The characters are generally laconic, offering occasional colorful commentary, including one use of "f--k" (by a child), several uses of "hell" and "ass," plus one or two uses of each of the following: "goddamn," "s--t," "bitch" (one with "son of a"), and "swinging dick."

Social Behavior

A killer is a sociopath; an opportunistic cowboy steals drug money, then becomes hunted; a weary sheriff philosophizes about bad deeds, lack of courtesy, and generational changes.

Consumerism

Details/logos used to establish location: Texaco gas station, Southwestern Bell bill.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

The plot turns on a large quantity of heroin (shown at the film's start in brick form) and money. Several scenes of drinking (beer and liquor) at home, in a bar, and in a hotel room. Llewelyn holds a beer, pretending to be drunk in order to cross the Mexican border.