Bird Box Movie Parents Guide

Bird Box is a 2018 American post-apocalyptic horror-thriller film directed by Susanne Bier and written by Eric Heisserer, based on the 2014 novel of the same name by Josh Malerman. It stars Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, Jacki Weaver, Rosa Salazar, Danielle Macdonald, Lil Rel Howery, Colson Baker, BD Wong, and John Malkovich. The plot follows a woman and her two young children as they struggle to find sanctuary while blindfolded from entities that cause people to commit suicide upon seeing them.

The film was released by Netflix on December 21, 2018. It received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising Bullock's performance and the film's suspenseful atmosphere, while others criticizing its pacing and plot holes. Despite the mixed reviews, Bird Box became a commercial success, being viewed by over 45 million households in its first week of release, making it one of the most-watched Netflix films of all time.

Now, let's dive into the content of the film to understand why it has generated such a strong response from viewers and critics alike.

Bird Box Parents Guide

This film contains intense scenes and may not be suitable for younger viewers.

• Intense scenes of violence
• Graphic depictions of death
• Frequent jump scares
• Claustrophobic and suspenseful atmosphere
• Some strong language
• Themes of loss and grief
• Exploration of mental illness

Overall, Bird Box is a well-made and suspenseful film, but it is not for the faint of heart. Parents should carefully consider whether or not their children are ready for this type of film.

Intense scenes of violence

Bird Box contains several intense scenes of violence, some of which are graphic and disturbing. These scenes include:

• A woman is brutally attacked by a group of people who have been driven to madness by the entities.
• A man is impaled on a spike fence.
• A woman is shot in the head.
• A man is decapitated.
• A group of people are burned alive.

These scenes are not gratuitous, but they are essential to the story and help to create a sense of danger and suspense. However, parents should be aware that these scenes may be too intense for younger viewers.

In addition to the graphic violence, Bird Box also contains several scenes of psychological violence. For example, the characters are constantly haunted by the fear of being seen by the entities, and they must be careful not to make any noise or movement that might attract their attention. This constant state of fear and paranoia can be very stressful for viewers, and it can be difficult to watch.

Overall, Bird Box is a well-made and suspenseful film, but it is not for the faint of heart. Parents should carefully consider whether or not their children are ready for this type of film.

If you are concerned about the violence in Bird Box, you can always check out the film's Parents Guide on IMDb or Common Sense Media. These websites provide detailed information about the content of the film, including the level of violence, language, and sexual content. You can also read reviews of the film from other parents to get their opinions on whether or not it is appropriate for children.

Graphic depictions of death

Bird Box contains several graphic depictions of death, some of which are quite disturbing. These scenes include:

• A woman is shown being eaten alive by the entities.
• A man is shown hanging himself.
• A woman is shown drowning herself and her two children.
• A group of people are shown being burned alive.
• A man is shown being decapitated.

These scenes are not gratuitous, but they are essential to the story and help to create a sense of danger and suspense. However, parents should be aware that these scenes may be too intense for younger viewers.

In addition to the graphic deaths, Bird Box also contains several scenes of psychological horror. For example, the characters are constantly being hunted by the entities, and they must be careful not to make any noise or movement that might attract their attention. This constant state of fear and paranoia can be very stressful for viewers, and it can be difficult to watch.

Overall, Bird Box is a well-made and suspenseful film, but it is not for the faint of heart. Parents should carefully consider whether or not their children are ready for this type of film.

If you are concerned about the graphic content in Bird Box, you can always check out the film's Parents Guide on IMDb or Common Sense Media. These websites provide detailed information about the content of the film, including the level of violence, language, and sexual content. You can also read reviews of the film from other parents to get their opinions on whether or not it is appropriate for children.

Frequent jump scares

Bird Box contains frequent jump scares, which are sudden, loud noises or images that are designed to startle the viewer. These jump scares are used to create a sense of suspense and fear, and they can be very effective in doing so. However, parents should be aware that these jump scares may be too intense for younger viewers.

• Sudden loud noises, such as gunshots or screams.

These noises can be very startling, especially when they are unexpected. Bird Box uses these noises frequently to create a sense of danger and suspense.

These movements can be very unsettling, especially when they are combined with loud noises. Bird Box uses these sudden movements to create a sense of paranoia and fear.

These images can be very disturbing, especially for younger viewers. Bird Box uses these images sparingly, but they can be very effective in creating a sense of shock and horror.

These scares can be very frustrating, but they can also be effective in creating a sense of tension and suspense. Bird Box uses these false scares frequently to keep the viewer on edge.

Overall, Bird Box is a well-made and suspenseful film, but it is not for the faint of heart. Parents should carefully consider whether or not their children are ready for this type of film.

Claustrophobic and suspenseful atmosphere

Bird Box creates a claustrophobic and suspenseful atmosphere through a combination of cinematography, sound design, and editing. The film is often shot in tight, confined spaces, which helps to create a sense of claustrophobia and unease. The sound design is also very effective in creating a sense of suspense, with sudden noises and eerie music that keep the viewer on edge.

• Tight, confined spaces.

The film is often shot in small, enclosed spaces, such as cars, houses, and tunnels. This creates a sense of claustrophobia and makes the viewer feel trapped and vulnerable.

The sound design in Bird Box is very effective in creating a sense of suspense. Sudden noises, such as gunshots or screams, are used to startle the viewer and keep them on edge. The music is also very eerie and unsettling, which helps to create a sense of dread and foreboding.

The film often uses long, unbroken takes, which can be very effective in creating a sense of suspense and tension. These long takes allow the viewer to become fully immersed in the film and to feel like they are right there with the characters.

The film's protagonist, Malorie, is an unreliable narrator. She is often seen struggling with her mental health and her ability to perceive reality. This unreliability creates a sense of doubt and uncertainty in the viewer's mind, which can be very unsettling.

Overall, Bird Box is a well-made and suspenseful film that creates a claustrophobic and unsettling atmosphere. The film's use of cinematography, sound design, and editing is very effective in creating a sense of dread and foreboding. However, parents should be aware that this film may be too intense for younger viewers.

Some strong language

Bird Box contains some strong language, including the use of profanity and racial slurs. This language is used sparingly, but it may be offensive to some viewers.

• Profanity, such as the words "fuck" and "shit".

These words are used sparingly in the film, but they may be offensive to some viewers. They are typically used in moments of high stress or anger.

This word is used once in the film, in a scene where a character is being harassed by a group of people. This scene is very disturbing and may be upsetting to some viewers.

Overall, Bird Box is a well-made and suspenseful film, but it does contain some strong language. Parents should be aware of this before deciding whether or not to let their children watch the film.

Themes of loss and grief

Bird Box is a film about loss and grief. The characters are all dealing with the loss of loved ones, and they must find a way to cope with their grief in order to survive. The film explores the different ways that people grieve, and it shows how loss can affect a person's mental and emotional health.

• The loss of a child.

The protagonist, Malorie, is a mother who has lost her two young children. She is struggling to come to terms with their deaths, and she is haunted by visions of them. This is a very difficult and emotional topic, but it is handled with great care and sensitivity in the film.

Another character, Tom, has lost his wife to the entities. He is struggling to cope with her death, and he is afraid that he will never be able to move on. This is another very difficult and emotional topic, but it is also handled with great care and sensitivity in the film.

As the film progresses, the characters begin to lose hope. They see no way out of their situation, and they begin to give up. This is a very powerful and moving theme, and it is one that will stay with the viewer long after the film is over.

Overall, Bird Box is a well-made and suspenseful film that explores the themes of loss and grief in a very powerful and moving way. However, parents should be aware that these themes may be too intense for younger viewers.

Exploration of mental illness

Bird Box also explores the theme of mental illness. The protagonist, Malorie, is struggling with depression and anxiety. She is also having visions of her dead children, which are causing her to question her sanity. As the film progresses, Malorie's mental health deteriorates, and she begins to exhibit signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Malorie's mental illness is not the only one that is explored in the film. Another character, Olympia, is struggling with bipolar disorder. She is also a recovering drug addict. Olympia's mental illness makes it difficult for her to cope with the stress of the situation, and she eventually takes her own life.

The film also explores the theme of suicide. Several characters, including Olympia, attempt to take their own lives. This is a very difficult and emotional topic, but it is handled with great care and sensitivity in the film. The film does not glorify suicide, and it shows the devastating impact that it can have on the people who are left behind.

Overall, Bird Box is a well-made and suspenseful film that explores the themes of mental illness and suicide in a very powerful and moving way. However, parents should be aware that these themes may be too intense for younger viewers.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness or suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. There are many resources available, and there is no shame in asking for help.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions that parents may have about Bird Box:

Question 1: Is Bird Box appropriate for children?

Answer 1: No, Bird Box is not appropriate for children. The film contains intense scenes of violence, graphic depictions of death, frequent jump scares, a claustrophobic and suspenseful atmosphere, some strong language, and themes of loss and grief. These elements may be too intense for younger viewers and could potentially be disturbing or even traumatizing.

Question 2: What is the MPAA rating for Bird Box?

Answer 2: Bird Box is rated R by the MPAA, which means that it is restricted to people under 17 years of age unless accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. This rating is due to the film's violence, language, and disturbing images.

Question 3: What are some of the themes explored in Bird Box?

Answer 3: Bird Box explores a number of themes, including loss and grief, mental illness, suicide, and the importance of hope. The film also raises questions about the nature of reality and the limits of human perception.

Question 4: Is Bird Box based on a book?

Answer 4: Yes, Bird Box is based on the 2014 novel of the same name by Josh Malerman. The film adaptation is faithful to the book, but it does make some changes to the story.

Question 5: Who are some of the main actors in Bird Box?

Answer 5: Some of the main actors in Bird Box include Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, Jacki Weaver, Rosa Salazar, Danielle Macdonald, Lil Rel Howery, Colson Baker, BD Wong, and John Malkovich.

Question 6: Where can I watch Bird Box?

Answer 6: Bird Box is available to stream on Netflix.

Question 7: Is there a sequel to Bird Box?

Answer 7: There is not currently a sequel to Bird Box, but the film's ending leaves the door open for a possible sequel. Whether or not a sequel is made will depend on the success of the film and the interest of the filmmakers.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ:

I hope this FAQ has answered some of your questions about Bird Box. If you have any other questions, please feel free to leave a comment below and I will do my best to answer them.

Now that you have a better understanding of Bird Box, here are some tips for parents who are considering letting their children watch the film:

Tips

Here are some tips for parents who are considering letting their children watch Bird Box:

Talk to your children about the film beforehand.

Before your children watch Bird Box, talk to them about the film's content and themes. Explain that the film is scary and that it contains scenes of violence, death, and other disturbing images. Make sure your children are prepared for what they are about to see.

Watch the film with your children.

The best way to ensure that your children are not traumatized by Bird Box is to watch the film with them. This way, you can answer any questions they may have and help them to process the film's content.

Be prepared to take breaks.

If your children start to feel overwhelmed or scared, be prepared to take a break from the film. You can always finish watching it later.

Talk to your children about the film afterwards.

After your children have watched Bird Box, talk to them about the film and how it made them feel. This is a good opportunity to discuss the film's themes and to help your children to understand what they saw.

Closing paragraph for Tips:

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your children have a positive experience watching Bird Box. However, it is important to remember that every child is different, and what is appropriate for one child may not be appropriate for another. Ultimately, you are the best judge of whether or not your child is ready to watch this film.

If you have any other questions or concerns about Bird Box, please feel free to leave a comment below and I will do my best to answer them.

Conclusion

Bird Box is a well-made and suspenseful film, but it is important to remember that it is not appropriate for children. The film contains graphic violence, disturbing imagery, and themes that may be too intense for younger viewers.

Parents should carefully consider whether or not their children are ready to watch this film. If you do decide to let your children watch Bird Box, be sure to talk to them about the film beforehand and watch it with them so that you can answer any questions they may have. You should also be prepared to take breaks if your children start to feel overwhelmed or scared.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to let your children watch Bird Box is a personal one. However, by following the tips in this guide, you can help to ensure that your children have a positive experience watching the film.

Closing Message:

I hope this article has been helpful in providing you with information about Bird Box and its appropriateness for children. If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to leave a comment below and I will do my best to answer them.

Remember, every child is different, and what is appropriate for one child may not be appropriate for another. You are the best judge of whether or not your child is ready to watch this film.