Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Phantom is a taut submarine drama, supposedly based on actual events, about a Russian sub that may have come close to triggering a nuclear war at the height of the Cold War. Ed Harris stars as the captain, and David Duchovny is a KGB agent with a hidden agenda. Expect several intense fight scenes, including shootouts in the tight confines of the sub and strategic underwater combat as the captain is hunted by other subs. Weapons include guns and knives; characters are killed with both, some bloodily (there's one suicide via gunshot, shown from a distance). There's also moderate drinking and some swearing (including "f--k" and "s--t").

Sexual Content

One early scene shows people at a party, including some women with low-cut tops.

Violence

Several stand-offs as armed men take over a submarine and threaten its captain. As the crew tries to retake the vessel, there are some close-range shootouts and fistfights. A throat is cut; significant blood. Suicide by gunshot; other characters are killed with guns as well. Threats with guns and knives. Plenty of talk about the politics of initiating a nuclear war, and some intense undersea combat sequences, with torpedoes firing/detonating, collisions, and more.

Language

Occasional swearing includes one "f--k" and a few "s--t"s, plus "hell," "damn," "goddamn," etc.

Social Behavior

The main take away is that Cold War politics can be pretty ugly, especially when viewed from the perspective of suspicion -- i.e. assuming that the only thing preventing the other side from launching their missiles is fear of retaliation. It's not a view that permits people to believe in others' innate goodness, and it ultimately leads to a dark and skewed idea of the world.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Several characters drink heavily at a party on shore. Once at sea, people have a few drinks with dinner or while relaxing, but they stay pretty sober.