Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Petals on the Wind is a gothic thriller that's based on a book series about a perverse family. This movie loosely follows the plot and characterization of the book of the same name, so those who have read it know what viewers are in for: brother/sister incest, which in this film progresses to passionate on-screen make-out sessions and (implied) sex (with no nudity). There also are references to child molestation, including a scene wherein a character who is purportedly under 18 is fondled (the actor playing that character, Bailey Buntain, is over 20, and looks it). Characters also have adulterous sex on-screen, resulting in an out-of-wedlock pregnancy. A man beats his girlfriend during an intimate scene; she stays with him and makes excuses for his violence. There are other disturbing violent images, including the sudden death-by-suicide of one character (her body is shown; no gore), and a woman being burnt to death in a bed as she screams. There are a few curse words, as well as many references to sex and sin, including very vulgar references to incest.

Sexual Content

No nudity, but couples, including an incestuous couple, are shown in bed or having sex in other places, moaning, and thrusting. There are references to child molestation, adulterous sex, and children born out of wedlock (but seemingly not cramping any of the characters' lives).

Violence

A woman is beaten by her partner when she's pregnant; she stays with him and makes excuses for him. Characters threaten each other's lives; characters we've gotten to know die suddenly through suicide. A woman is burnt to death in bed as she screams.

Language

A few curse words: "You know I'm a bastard." There also are many references to sin and children being "devil's spawn." There's also sexual language: "You spread your legs for your own brother."

Social Behavior

No positive messages in this story about incest, murder, adultery, and suicide.

Consumerism

This television movie is based on a book in a series by author V.C. Andrews; parents would probably not be particularly thrilled for tweens or even teens to be reading it.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Characters drink cocktails and beer at parties and in bars; a man uses alcohol as an excuse for assaulting his girlfriend.