What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this movie deals with sexuality. The primary plotline is a friendship-turned-romance between Holden and Alyssa, who is introduced as a lesbian. There are numerous conversations detailing characters' sexual practices and fantasies. Characters drink, smoke, have sex, use drugs, gay-bash, and get in fights.
- Families can talk about issues of gender and sexuality. The film raises a number of interesting questions about sexual behavior and identity. Does Alyssa's affair with Holden undermine her identity as a lesbian? How does her affair alienate her from her community? Holden's reaction to information about Alyssa's past ultimately destroys their relationship. How might Holden have dealt with his feelings more productively? Is there a double standard about the amount of sexual experience that's acceptable for men and women?