Iffy for 14+
Strange, serious drama is alternately inspiring, appalling.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this movie about a troubled family (which stars Mel Gibson and was directed by Jodie Foster) is a very strange drama with some comedy elements; it's disturbing in many ways, and while some will find it appalling, others may find it inspiring. A despondent character attempts suicide, and there's a constant, simmering sense of discontent, as well as some moments of fighting and violence. Language includes "s--t," one "f--k," and other words; there's also some teen flirting and minor sex scenes between a husband and a wife. There's one intense scene of drinking, plus prescription drugs and a mention of a teen buying "weed."
- Families can talk about how the movie portrays family relationships. Is this a typical movie family? Do the characters and their interactions seem believable? Relatable?
- At the height of his depression, Walter drinks lots of alcohol. How does it affect him? What are the real-life consequences of drinking?
- Did you find the beaver funny or disturbing? Does he help Walter, or does he send Walter down another wrong path?
- What do you think the movie's ultimate take-away is? What audience is it intended to appeal to?
The good stuff
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Messages: Walter's behavior is both sad and appalling, and yet it's presented as both funny and entertaining for a large portion of the story, and many characters begin to accept his behavior based on its entertainment value alone. But it's a drastic means to an end, and Walter does eventually begin to work on the root of his problem. Meanwhile, his teen son also has some issues; he does pay for his transgressions (i.e. writing and selling black market papers for his fellow high school students), but everything seems to be solved by meeting the right girl.
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Role models: Walter may get a few laughs here and there, but his behavior is sad and appalling. Teen son Porter is smart, but he worries that he's too much like his father and that he's begun to head down the wrong path. Both characters eventually straighten out, but it takes a drastic event in one case, and falling in love in the other case, neither of which is particularly empowering.
What to watch for
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Violence: Characters argue from time to time, and there's a general mood of unease. A teen boy bashes his head against a wall in moments of despair. A couple of brief fight scenes: one in which a father accidentally hits his teen son, and one in which the main character fights with the beaver (i.e. himself), resulting in blood and bruises. The movie leads up to one intense scene, with some off-screen gore.
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Sex: A husband and wife kiss and have sex in bed (nothing graphic is shown). Oral sex is implied, and the couple is also seen kissing through an opaque shower door. A teen couple flirts and kisses.
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Language: Language includes one "f--k" and several uses of "s--t," plus "goddamn," "hell," "douche," "turd," "balls," "ass," "crap," "bitch," and "Christ." Additionally the beaver uses British slang like "bloody hell," "bum," "sod," and "tart."
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Consumerism: Some Apple computers are on display.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: The main character takes prescription drugs for his depression. In one scene, he gets falling-down drunk and tries to commit suicide. The mother is seen drinking wine with dinner. One teen character mentions buying "weed." There's a mention of "nicotine gum."
Fan Reviews provided by
5
The Beaver by WBretz
This is a very well written movie. Mel Gibson plays the part very well. I would highly reccomend this movie if you know anything about depression, it is an insightful movie.
5
Brilliant! by sylvia solo
If anyone coul depict the hellish decent into mental illness, it would be Mel! Say what you want about him, but the man is brilliant both as an actor and a director/producer.... I noticed one reviewer said the movie was too "depressing"...HELLLLLLLOOOOO, it's about mental illness....nothing to happy about that but it was portrayed so sensitively, esp by Jodi Foster who plays the long suffering wife.... I can only say GO SEE IT! IMHO
5
The Beaver by Beckmeister
The is a great imaginative story. Mel is great and this really shows off his talent. It has a great message about change, motivation, and hope.
5
Exceeded expectation by whipporwilltoo
I thought everything about this movie was fabulous - the story, the acting and everything. Mel Gibson is truly a great actor as is Jody Foster.
5
Great story by robhayden
The move was very good. I really went in thinking ok this looks a little odd, but it was a solid 9 on my scale. Great story, tear jerker with a powerful ending... Loved it...
5
O Castor by uleij
I love this movie. It was an honest portrait of severe depression and the woes of marriage and life. I particularly enjoyed the generational similarities of the father, grandfather and son. As always I love Jodie Foster in all her movies and impressed by her directing.