Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this engrossing, well-acted thriller paints an ugly picture of the political landscape; prepare to be disenchanted (if you aren't already). Teens drawn to the movie by co-star Ryan Gosling's presence may find it very cynical, insidery, and heavy-handed, unless they're students of election cycles. Expect frequent swearing ("d--k," "f--k," and more), heated verbal exchanges, a suicide (not graphic), and sexual content (including some suggested steaminess and references to affairs and their aftermath).

Sexual Content

Two colleagues sleep together; the audience sees close-up camera shots that hint at nudity, but no sensitive body parts are shown. Sexual banter. A liaison between a married man and a woman who works for him is discussed, and its unintended consequence has to be undone.

Violence

Verbal clashes are so stinging that they stun. A woman commits suicide.

Language

Frequent use of strong words such as "f--k," "d--k," "a--hole," "s--t," "prick," "c--k," "t-ts," "hell," "crap," "damn," "goddamn," and more.

Social Behavior

The movie is a pretty jaded look at the political and electoral process. If there's any positive message, it's that if you sacrifice your principles, you lose a piece of yourself.

Consumerism

Logos for Nokia and GMC are visible.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Social drinking by adults in bars; references to drugs, being drunk, and overdosing.