Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that The Family Fang is a book-based indie drama (directed by and starring Jason Bateman) that deals with fairly intense subjects, including growing up in a dysfunctional home and a couple's apparent disappearance. As part of their eccentric parents' performance art pieces, kids are put in bizarre situations that have them pretending they've been shot or buried alive. There are also references to drinking too much and overdependence on painkillers, as well as swearing (including "f--k" and "s--t"). A main character is accidentally shot, a car is found by the side of the road (passengers missing and blood smeared on the dashboard), and a topless actress is shown from behind.
Sexual
Content
An actress with a reputation for being wild parades around without her top on (she's seen from behind); afterward, a photo with a strategically placed black bar appears in a tabloid. In another scene, a man in his underwear is seen in the background, clearly looking for the rest of his clothing while a woman talks on the phone. References to infidelity.
Violence
Some of the Fangs' performance art, including pieces that feature children, have violent undertones -- like one in which a young boy flashes a gun in a bank, leading to a shoot-out. A car is found by the side of the road, passengers missing and blood smeared on the dashboard. A man is shot in the head with a potato gun.
Language
Frequent use of words including "s--t" and "f--k."
Social
Behavior
Strong sibling relationships can see you through even the worst traumas.
Consumerism
Products seen/featured include Apple and Saab.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
One character admits she's drinking too much. Another seems especially quick to pop his pain pills.
