Information for Parents
Common Sense Media says OK for kids 13+
Stirring, sizzling serving of female empowerment.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this film is heartwarming but also contains many violent and scary scenes that are probably too much for young kids. Several characters die, including main characters, which may be difficult for sensitive kids or kids who have lost a loved one. The KKK has a presence in the film, whipping one character and threatening another. One main character suffers spousal abuse while pregnant. The film offers plenty of comeuppance for the bad guys, though, and focuses on the empowerment of women through their bold actions. Also of note: The subtext is that Idgy and Ruth are lesbian partners, though the film never shows anything that would make that clear.
- Families can talk about empowerment in the characters' lives. Many had to stray from the good opinions of others to feel empowered. Is ignoring your critics a good idea sometimes? Was it a good idea for Idgy? Was it good for Ruth? Why or why not? Ruth is also abused by her husband, which may be a good opportunity for parents to talk to kids about what's acceptable in relationships and how to identify someone who's abusive.
The good stuff
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Positive messages: Idgy steals food and a car and says bad things about church, but she's also kind-hearted, taking care of people who can't afford to pay and helping a homeless man. A preacher lies for Idgy and Big George. Evelyn smashes into another car several times, but also empowers herself by getting a job and eating healthy. Strong messages about friendship.
What to watch for
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Violence: One character is hit and killed by a train (off-screen) at the beginning of the film, and another is almost killed by a train. Ruth's husband is abusive. He kicks her down a flight of stairs when she's pregnant, and viewers see her with a black eye. A KKK group whips Big George and threatens to steal Ruth's baby and hurt Idgy. Frank hits Sipsey and Smokey Lonesome. A character is murdered off-screen.
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Sexy stuff: Evelyn fantasizes about answering her front door wearing only cellophane. There's an intense sexual connection between Idgy and Ruth, though nothing sexual or romantic happens on-screen.
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Language: Considerable salty language, including "hell," "damn," "g-ddammit," "s--t," "son of a bitch," "fat bitch," "assholes," "bastards." Some KKK members also refer to African-Americans as the "N" word several times.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Idgy drinks, smokes a cigar, and gambles. Ruth gets drunk.