Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that even though one of the main characters in this film is an 11-year-old girl (played by popular tween star AnnaSophia Robb, at that), it has decidedly mature themes. The girl's mother clearly loves her but is deeply troubled: She swears at her daughter, removes her from her bedroom so she can use it to tryst with her boyfriend, and even abandons her. (She does somewhat redeem herself in the end.) The girl is, unsurprisingly, deeply affected by it all -- she swears and smokes, is wracked with insecurity, and trusts virtually no one. Later, she witnesses and is subjected to harsh violence. There's also a passing reference to drug use (Joleen's boyfriend goes to jail for growing pot), drinking, and strong language throughout.

Sexual Content

A woman fools around with her boyfriend on a dining table while her relatives sleep nearby; later, she removes her child from the bedroom and plops her on the sofa so she can use the room with her boyfriend (no nudity shown); a man makes suggestive comments to coworkers.

Violence

Infrequent, but strong. A woman screams at the cops in front of her child; a grandfather yells at his granddaughter and later hits her. A scene of a dead horse; a young man defends a child by assaulting her attacker with a shovel.

Language

'F--k' shows up early; also many uses of 's--t' (including by a child), plus 'goddamn' and 'ass.'

Social Behavior

A woman abandons her daughter, and a grandfather physically abuses his son and grandchild -- yet, an uncle proves that, when called upon, some people do rise to the occasion and attempt to do what's right for a child. An 11-year-old girl acts out (smoking, swearing) in response to her mother's callous treatment of her.

Consumerism

Some signage for Bobcat tractors and various motel chains.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Plenty of smoking and drinking, including one party during which the participants get smashed. An 11-year-old girl smokes. A minor character is sent to jail for growing marijuana.