edge of seventeen parents guide

The Edge of Seventeen⁚ A Parents’ Guide

The Edge of Seventeen is a high school dramedy about an awkward teen (Hailee Steinfeld) that explores the challenges and complexities of adolescence. The film deals with themes of grief, friendship, family dynamics, and navigating the social landscape of high school. It’s a coming-of-age story that tackles relatable issues with humor and heart.

Content Rating and Suitability

The Edge of Seventeen is rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) for language, sexual content, and some drug use. This rating reflects the film’s realistic portrayal of teenage life, which includes mature themes, strong language, and some suggestive situations. The Australian Council on Children and the Media (ACCM) recommends the film for viewers 15 and older due to its themes, underage drinking, coarse language, and sexual references.

Parents should be aware that the film contains some scenes that may be considered inappropriate for younger viewers. These include⁚

• A male character appears to be pressuring a girl into sexual activity by kissing and groping her in a car.
• Two teenagers are shown in bed together partially dressed, and it is implied that they have had sexual intercourse.
• A bloody leg is cut with a knife. A bear attack results in a man having a chunk of his leg bitten (with a lot of blood) and then killed.
• A man slices open a finger and draws blood.
• Men jab at a bear with spears as it swipes at them; eventually, the bear is impaled and the spear sticks out its back.

While the film is not explicitly graphic, these scenes may be upsetting or disturbing for some viewers. It is essential for parents to preview the film and decide if it is appropriate for their children based on their individual maturity levels and sensitivities.

Themes and Issues Explored

The Edge of Seventeen delves into the complexities of adolescence, exploring themes that resonate deeply with teenagers and their families. At its core, the film examines the struggles of navigating high school, dealing with peer pressure, and finding your place in the world. It portrays the emotional turmoil of a teenager grappling with grief, loss, and self-discovery.

The film tackles issues like⁚

• Grief and Loss⁚ Nadine is still dealing with the death of her father, which has significantly impacted her emotional well-being and relationships. The film explores how grief can manifest differently and the challenges of moving forward after a loss.
• Friendship and Betrayal⁚ Nadine’s world is turned upside down when her best friend, Krista, starts dating her older brother. This betrayal fuels Nadine’s insecurities and highlights the complexities of navigating close friendships in adolescence.
• Family Dynamics⁚ The film explores the strained relationship between Nadine and her mother, who is trying to balance her own life with supporting her daughter through a difficult time. It also highlights the unique bond between siblings and the complexities of family dynamics in the context of grief and adolescence.
• Self-Esteem and Identity⁚ Nadine grapples with feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, and social anxiety. The film explores the pressure teenagers face to conform to societal expectations and the challenges of forming a strong sense of self in a world that often prioritizes popularity and fitting in.

By tackling these sensitive and relatable themes, The Edge of Seventeen offers a nuanced and honest portrayal of adolescent life, providing valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of growing up. It encourages open dialogue and understanding between parents and teenagers about the complexities of this stage of life.

Language and Profanity

The Edge of Seventeen features a significant amount of profanity and coarse language, reflecting the realistic dialogue and tone of teenagers in a high school setting. The film does not shy away from using strong language, which some viewers may find offensive or inappropriate for younger audiences.

The language used is consistent with the characters’ personalities and the overall tone of the film. It serves to enhance the authenticity of the dialogue and the characters’ emotional expressions. However, parents should be aware that the film contains frequent use of⁚

• Swear words⁚ The film includes frequent use of strong expletives like “f–k,” “s–t,” and “ass,” among others.
• Insults and derogatory terms⁚ Characters engage in verbal sparring and use insults that may be considered offensive or hurtful.
• Sexual references⁚ While not explicit, the film contains some suggestive language and references to sexual activity.

The film’s use of strong language is intended to be realistic and reflect the way teenagers communicate in a high school environment. However, parents should consider their child’s maturity level and sensitivity to profanity before deciding whether the film is appropriate. Open communication about the film’s language and the reasons behind its use can be helpful for parents and teenagers to discuss.

Sexual Content and Nudity

The Edge of Seventeen contains some sexual content and suggestive dialogue, though it generally avoids explicit nudity or graphic scenes. The film’s portrayal of teenage sexuality is realistic and tackles issues that are relevant to adolescents, but it does so with a degree of subtlety and nuance.

Here are some examples of sexual content in the film⁚

• Suggestive dialogue⁚ Characters engage in conversations that allude to sexual activity, including references to dating, crushes, and physical intimacy.
• Implied sexual activity⁚ The film includes scenes where characters are shown in bed together partially dressed, but explicit nudity is avoided. The implication of sexual activity is present, but not explicitly depicted.
• Kissing and groping⁚ There is a scene where a male character appears to be pressuring a girl into sexual activity by kissing and groping her in a car. However, the activity is interrupted when the girl leaves the car.

While the film’s sexual content is not explicit, it is important for parents to be aware of its presence and consider their child’s maturity level before deciding whether the film is appropriate. The film’s portrayal of teenage sexuality can be a valuable tool for parents to engage in discussions about relationships, boundaries, and consent with their teenagers.

Violence and Gore

While The Edge of Seventeen is primarily a coming-of-age comedy-drama, it does contain a few scenes of violence, although these are generally depicted in a comedic or somewhat exaggerated manner. The violence is not graphic or overly disturbing, and it’s mostly used to highlight the protagonist’s emotional turmoil and the challenges she faces in navigating high school life.

Here are some examples of violence in the film⁚

• A bloody leg is cut with a knife⁚ There is a scene where a character accidentally cuts their leg with a knife, resulting in some blood. This scene is brief and not overly graphic, but it might be unsettling for some viewers.
• A bear attack⁚ The film includes a scene where a character is attacked by a bear, resulting in a bloody injury. This scene is more comedic than graphic, and the violence is not explicitly depicted. However, it might be disturbing for some viewers, particularly those who are sensitive to animal violence.
• A man slices open a finger⁚ There is a scene where a character accidentally slices open their finger, resulting in a small amount of blood. This scene is brief and not graphic, but it might be unsettling for some viewers.

Overall, the violence in The Edge of Seventeen is not excessive or particularly graphic. However, parents should be aware of its presence and consider their child’s sensitivity to violence before deciding whether the film is appropriate. The film’s use of violence can be a starting point for discussions about conflict resolution, the consequences of actions, and how to deal with difficult emotions in a healthy way.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Smoking

The Edge of Seventeen features some instances of underage drinking, but it’s presented in a realistic and nuanced way, highlighting the consequences and complexities of such behavior. The film doesn’t glorify underage drinking, instead depicting it as a risky choice with potential negative consequences. The focus is on the characters’ emotional struggles and how they cope with difficult situations, rather than promoting or glamorizing substance use.

Here are some examples of alcohol use in the film⁚

• Underage Drinking⁚ There are scenes where teenagers are shown drinking alcohol, primarily at a party. The film doesn’t explicitly show the characters getting drunk, but it does show the potential consequences of underage drinking, such as making poor decisions or engaging in risky behavior.
• Drinking as a Coping Mechanism⁚ The film touches upon the idea of some teenagers using alcohol as a way to cope with stress or difficult emotions, but it doesn’t portray this as a healthy or acceptable solution. Instead, it highlights the potential for alcohol to exacerbate existing problems.

The film doesn’t depict any drug use or smoking. Parents should be aware of the presence of underage drinking in the film and use it as an opportunity to discuss the dangers and consequences of substance use with their children. It’s a chance to engage in open communication about healthy coping mechanisms, responsible decision-making, and the importance of respecting the law.

Parental Guidance and Discussion Points

The Edge of Seventeen offers parents a valuable opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with their teenagers about a range of important issues. It provides a realistic portrayal of the challenges and complexities of adolescence, allowing for open dialogue about topics that might otherwise be difficult to broach. Here are some discussion points to consider⁚

• Dealing with Grief and Loss⁚ The film explores Nadine’s struggles with the loss of her father, offering a poignant depiction of grief and how it can manifest in different ways. This provides a starting point for conversations about how to cope with loss, seek support, and navigate the emotional rollercoaster of grief.
• Navigating Friendship Dynamics⁚ The film delves into the complexities of friendship, particularly the challenges of betrayal, jealousy, and changing dynamics. It provides a platform for discussions about how to maintain healthy friendships, communicate effectively, and navigate the ups and downs of close relationships.
• Family Relationships⁚ The film explores the intricacies of family relationships, highlighting the importance of communication, understanding, and support. It can spark conversations about the challenges of navigating different family dynamics, expressing emotions constructively, and building strong family bonds.
• Self-Esteem and Body Image⁚ The film touches upon issues of self-esteem and body image as Nadine grapples with insecurities and self-doubt. This offers an opportunity to discuss the importance of self-acceptance, building a positive body image, and challenging societal pressures.
• Social Media and Technology⁚ The film subtly explores the impact of social media and technology on teenagers, highlighting the potential for both positive and negative influences. This provides a chance to discuss responsible online behavior, digital citizenship, and the importance of setting boundaries.

By engaging in open and honest conversations with their teens, parents can use The Edge of Seventeen as a springboard to explore these complex topics and foster stronger relationships based on mutual understanding and support.

Common Sense Media Reviews

Common Sense Media, a trusted resource for parents seeking guidance on media content, offers a range of reviews and insights into The Edge of Seventeen. Their reviews highlight the film’s strengths and weaknesses, providing valuable context for parents seeking to make informed decisions about its suitability for their children.

Common Sense Media reviewers acknowledge the film’s realistic portrayal of teenage life, including the awkwardness, insecurities, and challenges of navigating adolescence. They commend the film’s humor and its ability to evoke both laughter and empathy. However, they also note the film’s mature themes, including grief, loss, and dysfunctional family dynamics, which may be challenging for younger viewers.

The reviews emphasize the film’s R rating, highlighting the presence of strong language, sexual content, and mature themes that may not be appropriate for all teenagers. They recommend parental guidance for younger viewers and suggest that the film is more suitable for mature high schoolers and up.

Common Sense Media’s reviews offer parents a comprehensive understanding of the film’s content and its potential impact on young viewers. They provide valuable insights to help parents make informed decisions about whether The Edge of Seventeen is an appropriate choice for their family.