Information for Parents
Common Sense Media says Iffy for 17+
Drama about sex, deception too creepy, explicit for teens.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Chloe is an adults-only tale of sex, betrayal, deception, and obsession. Teens might be interested in seeing the red-hot Amanda Seyfried (Mamma Mia!, Jennifer's Body, Dear John), who appears partly naked here, in her first grown-up role, but families should beware: The movie is extremely frank with its sex scenes (including one between two women) and sex talk, and there is some strong language (including "f--k" and "s--t"), though drinking and violence are mild.
- Families can talk about how the lack of communication drives a wedge in between these family members. Which makes more sense: to sneak around and find evidence, or to talk openly? Which is more difficult? Why? Do the communication difficulties in the movie reflect those in your family? What can you do to improve family communication?
- What lessons about sex does this movie teach, if any? Do you think the movie portrays realistic intimacy between adults? If teens fans of Amanda Seyfried see the movie: Does seeing her in this adult role change the way you think about her? Do you like her more or less? Why?
- Is Chloe a bad person? Is she crazy, or just in love?
The good stuff
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Positive messages: While the movie's ultimate message is that open, honest communication is key in a marriage and/or family situation, the characters put themselves through some very tough and deceitful times to avoid communication (and possibly uncovering painful truths). But when the characters finally do communicate, they discover that things aren't as bad as they imagined.
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Positive role models: The movie has no real role models. Though none of the four main characters are actually bad people, they do not behave in a responsible or constructive way. Chloe seems to have fallen genuinely in love, but takes all the wrong steps toward winning that person's heart. Catherine does not trust her husband and employs a sneaky, dangerous plan rather than talking to him. Her husband David is equally guilty of not communicating, as is her teenage son Michael. Ironically, Chloe is the one who comes across as the most responsible, at first, but looks can be deceiving.
What to watch for
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Violence: The movie has some mild verbal confrontations and one medium-violent struggle with a shocking conclusion.
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Sex: One character, Chloe, has sex with multiple partners. We get plenty of kissing, flirting, and frank talk about sex and sexuality. There is infidelity, manipulation, and mistrust and a general air of illicit seduction and sex throughout. The movie has two explicit sex scenes, including partial nudity: one between Chloe and another, older woman, and another between Chloe and a young man her own age.
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Language: The movie contains strong adult language, but not constantly. We hear more than one use of "f--k," plus "s--t" and "Jesus"used as an exclamation, and references to sex, sexual organs, and sex acts.
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Consumerism: Not an issue.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Adults drink in social situations, at parties or gatherings, and mostly wine. One character receives a bottle of fine scotch as a birthday present and he drinks a small sample glass, just to taste.