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Plugged In is a Focus on the Family publication designed to shine a light on the world of popular entertainment while giving families the essential tools they need to understand, navigate, and impact the culture in which they live.

Through our reviews, articles and discussions, we hope to spark intellectual thought, spiritual growth and a desire to follow the command of Colossians 2:8: “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”

Each month, Plugged In is visited more than 1 million times by people looking for detailed information about what’s really in popular movies, videos, television episodes, songs and games. Entertainment industry ratings only tell you so much. We go deeper, diving into specific content and the meaning behind it. Our award-winning website also offers news and blogs.

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Plugged in reviews of movies now in theatres.

There are lots of new movies in theatres and maybe your child has mentioned one or two of them to you. But what are these movies really about and how can you find out without having to go see them yourself? 

With Plugged In movie reviews, you'll find a detailed breakdown of up-to-date films, including spiritual content, sexual content, violent content, the amount of crude or profane language, content involving drugs and alcohol, other negative elements as well as positive aspects of the film. 

Here are a few reviews of new releases you may want to read up on: 

Stronger (R)

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1,218 episodes

Take a minute to hear a family-friendly review of the hottest movie, YouTube video, streaming series, video game, or new technology to help you decide if it’s a good choice for your kids and family. Hosted by Focus on the Family’s media and culture analysts, these reviews for parents offer a fresh Christian perspective on entertainment from a Biblical worldview.

Plugged In Entertainment Reviews Focus on the Family

• Kids & Family
• 4.3 • 142 Ratings
• APR 17, 2024

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Customer Reviews

142 Ratings

Plugged In is Trying to Protect You!!!!

I know that many viewers out there don’t care about Plugged In and think they are trying to boss you around. NEWSFLASH: They are not!! They are only trying to protect you and your family. If you see a movie that is 0 stars, I think you know that that is a movie you do NOT want to take your kids to. If you have seen one, (which I HIGHLY recommend you don’t) you probably know that is not a great movie. Plugged In has reasons to rate these badly rated movies (violence, language, nudity etc.). Yes, people curse in real life, but I believe they don’t mention it because they want you to read the review. Another possible reason is that they want to protect kids who may not know what a bad word is. But the point is, this podcast wants your family to get the best out of a film in a cinema, and generally protect your early teens, younger kids, maybe even yourself. Some movies(I will chose not to mention them) are so bad that Plugged In doesn’t even rate them!!! So I encourage you to listen to these podcasts and look at the website and PLEASE take the time to see how they rate a movie before you go see it at the cinema.

Great reviews loved

Great podcast!!!

You got to check plugged in before you watch a movie. I mean, really, who wants to watch a bad movie? You can check any new movie through a Christian lens. Plugged in will let you know if there’s any cussing or murrdering, and will give you a 1-5 star rating Example: "spider-man into the spiderverse” has 4 out of 5 stars for family friendliness. So I’ll give plugged in 5 out of 5 stars.

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Focus on the Family Movie Reviews, Empowering Families with Pre-Screening Insights

I n a world infused with relentless media and entertainment options, many parents find themselves adrift in a sea of movies, struggling to discern which ones align with their values and are suitable for their children. That’s where Focus on the Family steps in, offering a lighthouse for those navigating the treacherous waters of Hollywood productions. This evangelical group, with its diverse initiatives and meticulous review process, becomes a valuable compass for families striving to cultivate wholesome entertainment choices.

Understanding Focus on the Family

Established in 1977, Focus on the Family is a non-profit, evangelical entity rooted in the United States, with a mission to nurture and shield families across the globe. It represents a fortress of family values and is closely aligned with the American Christian right. Beyond their well-known projects like the Adventures in Odyssey radio show, Focus on the Family ventures into varied domains, including political advocacy and, notably, movie reviews through their website, Plugged In.

Despite their expansive influence, the organization has not been without controversy and criticism, with accusations of research manipulation and unwavering support for contentious figures like Mel Gibson during the dispute surrounding The Passion of the Christ.

A Guiding Light in Entertainment: Plugged In

Plugged In, the entertainment review arm of Focus on the Family, casts a discerning eye over a myriad of mainstream entertainment forms. The site features comprehensive evaluations of cinematic releases, TV shows, music, and more, serving as a beacon for families in search of morally upright entertainment.

Decoding the Structure of Reviews

Each movie review on Plugged In is meticulously crafted, encompassing seven crucial segments. It begins with an insightful introduction to the film’s narrative, followed by an exploration of the positive elements depicted, such as expressions of humanity and altruism. The reviews then delve into sexual content, violent imagery, and the use of crude language, providing detailed accounts of each. Additionally, there’s scrutiny of other negative components like substance use, culminating in a balanced conclusion reflecting on the film’s alignment with family values.

Diving into Examples: Cloverfield and Alien vs. Predator

To grasp the essence of Focus on the Family’s approach, consider their reviews of films like “Cloverfield” and “Alien vs. Predator.” The former is acknowledged for portraying commitment and sacrifice but criticized for its violence, subtle sexual content, and profanity. The latter, meanwhile, is rebuked for its harsh violent content, with its PG-13 rating deemed unsuitable by the organization.

Empowering Families with Pre-Screening Insights

For those who find resonance with the perspectives of Focus on the Family, Plugged In emerges as a significant time and sanity saver. By relying on their thoughtful analyses, parents can bypass the ordeal of pre-screening every piece of media their children consume, avoiding exposure to undesirable content and ensuring a harmonious entertainment experience.

Conclusion:

Focus on the Family, with its multifaceted endeavors and dedicated movie review platform, Plugged In, serves as a reliable guide for families navigating the extensive and often perplexing realm of entertainment. By offering nuanced, value-based insights into Hollywood’s myriad productions, the organization empowers parents to make informed, values-aligned entertainment choices, fostering a more harmonious and value-rich media landscape for families worldwide. Whether you’re on the lookout for enchanting tales like Peter Pan or Mary Poppins, or you’re venturing into the vast expanse of Hollywood’s offerings, Focus on the Family stands as a steadfast companion in your cinematic journey.

Focus on the Family Movie Reviews

Michael has spent years as a freelance writer and editor submitting works to several accomplished magazines as well as publishing his own works about freelancing as a business.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

There are many people who are interested in Focus on the Family movie reviews, because they can provide some guidance as to what is appropriate for their children to watch and what isn't. The organization isn't just about Mary Poppins, Peter Pan, and other family-friendly fare; they review just about every flick that comes through Hollywood.

What Is Focus on the Family?

In case you are not familiar with the non-profit organization, Focus on the Family is an evangelical group based out of the United States. It was founded in 1977, and they say that they are dedicated to nurturing and defending families worldwide. More specifically, Focus on the Family -- which is aligned with the American Christian right -- aims to protect family values.

• 6 Reasons Family Communication Really Matters & Real-World Tips

Focus on the Family has several arms, to speak, which work toward this common goal. The Adventures in Odyssey radio show is perhaps one of their best known projects, but they also have all sorts of other Radio Theatre and political endeavors. One such endeavor is the reviewing movies.

As with any organization aligned with the Christian right, Focus on the Family has come under fire and into controversy from several groups. In 2006, for example, FOTF founder James Dobson was accused of manipulating research data that said gays and lesbians are not good parents. They naturally denied this allegation. Focus on the Family also fully supported Mel Gibson when the latter was accused of anti-Semitic content in relation to The Passion of the Christ .

Plugged In is a website of Focus on the Family and they offer reviews of just about any kind of mass market entertainment, including movies in theaters, video/DVD releases, music, television, and more. By and large, their reviews take on the same structure.

Parental Guidance Suggested

As a movie review site, Plugged In has an extensive library of films for you to consider. Each of the reviews is composed of seven key sections.

• Introduction : Although not labeled as such, the first paragraph or two outlines the plot summary to the film in question. You get an idea of what the movie is all about, perhaps with mention of where the film ties in to the world at large.
• Positive Elements : This is where FOTF describes what positive morals or ideas are expressed in the movie. These may include things like love for your fellow man.
• Sexual Content : They'll warn against things like scantily-clad women and sexual innuendo. Even verbal mentions of condoms and other sexual content will be described in this section.
• Violent Content : You are given a perspective on how brutal or gruesome the violence is. For horror and action films, this is probably more of a concern for parents. Chair-throwing in dramas may be mentioned here.
• Crude or Profane Language : In addition to coarse language, this section also reveals if "Jesus" or "God" are used inappropriately.
• Other Negative Elements : This serves as a catch-all for other undesirable content, like the consumption of alcohol and drugs.
• Summary : A final verdict on whether the film promotes good family values or not, citing both the good and the bad.

Example Movie Reviews

To get a sense of how the organization approaches movies, read these sample reviews.

• Cloverfield : The Focus on the Family movie review applauds Rob's dedication to Beth and his willingness to risk life and limb to save her. However, they are not pleased with the level of violence, the mild sexual content (pre-marital), and excessive use of "my God".
• Alien vs. Predator : The biggest complaint in this particular Focus on the Family movie review is that the PG-13 rating given to this classic alien movie is deemed inappropriate, given the extreme level of violence. AVP gets quite gruesome, even if the camera cuts away just in the nick of time.

Take Advantage of the Pre-Screening

If Focus on the Family seems to have the same views on movies and other media as you do, this may prove to be quite the time saver. If you trust their guidance, you'll no longer have to screen everything your kids want to watch (and in turn, you don't have to see or hear things you would prefer not to).

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Common sense media reviewers.

Promising romcom premise underdelivers; drug use, language.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Encourages honest and healthy conversation and com

Dan wants to improve his marriage with a digital d

Although Eva Longoria is a Latina actor, her chara

Adults are accidentally injured. Fistfight. A char

A married couple kisses a couple of times. In one

Strong language includes "motherf----r," "goddamn

Products/brands seen include Apple (iMac, iPhone,

Adults drink to excess at a bar/restaurant. An adu

Parents need to know that Unplugging is a comedy about a couple (Eva Longoria and Matt Walsh) who take a screen-free vacation to improve their marriage. Expect strong language ("motherf----r," "s--t," "d--k," etc.), recreational use of medical cannabis (a character consumes more than one edible), drinking to…

Positive Messages

Encourages honest and healthy conversation and communication between a married couple, as well as setting limits on screen and technology use when it interferes with family time and being truly present with those you love.

Positive Role Models

Dan wants to improve his marriage with a digital detox and to heed his acquaintance's advice to rely less on technology. Jeanine is hardworking and capable. Each of them wants more from their relationship.

Diverse Representations

Although Eva Longoria is a Latina actor, her character isn't overtly portrayed as such. In a small town, a couple of supporting characters (a police officer and a business owner) are Black.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Violence & Scariness

Adults are accidentally injured. Fistfight. A character's head sports a wound. A supporting character's untimely death greatly disturbs Dan.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

A married couple kisses a couple of times. In one scene, a woman's head disappears below the shot, and oral sex is implied; it's later confirmed when the woman discusses what she did.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Strong language includes "motherf----r," "goddamn it," "d--k," "s--t."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

Products/brands seen include Apple (iMac, iPhone, iPad, iPhone, AirPods), Toyota, UPS, JibJab, Amazon Alexa, Amazon Music, Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, Ritz crackers, Hellman's mayonnaise.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Adults drink to excess at a bar/restaurant. An adult consumes a large dose of medical cannabis edibles.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Unplugging is a comedy about a couple ( Eva Longoria and Matt Walsh ) who take a screen-free vacation to improve their marriage. Expect strong language ("motherf----r," "s--t," "d--k," etc.), recreational use of medical cannabis (a character consumes more than one edible), drinking to excess, quick kisses, and the implication of oral sex. Mild violence includes a fistfight, an accident that leaves a character's face injured, and some destruction of property (drones). The plot explores themes related to media and technology use and overdependence that may prompt relevant conversations between adults and teens. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Community Reviews

• Parents say (3)

Based on 3 parent reviews

Clumsy mishmash of a comedy has bland humor, mild violence.

What's the story.

UNPLUGGING follows married Chicago couple Dan ( Matt Walsh ) and Jeanine ( Eva Longoria ) Dewerson, who have a tween daughter and are typically attached to their screens and devices. Dan is a work-at-home entrepreneur who makes small-batch hot sauce, while Jeanine works late hours at a real estate firm. After a friends' unexpected death, Dan decides he's had enough of not being fully present in his marriage and plans an off-the-grid trip where he and Jeanine can experience a digital detox away from phones, computers, video games, and social media. But once they arrive in the rural setting of their rustic vacation, Dan and Jeanine struggle with their new unplugged reality in the face of wacky locals, including government conspiracy theorists and suspicious store owners.

Is It Any Good?

Despite its two capable comedic leads, this romcom doesn't rise above the level of stereotypical fish-out-of-water and off-the-grid jokes. The movie, directed by Debra Neil-Fisher working from Brad Morris and Walsh's script, starts out strong, with an obvious explanation of how attached the Dewersons, particularly Jeanine, are to their devices. There's a tragicomic plot point involving the funeral of Dan's extroverted UPS driver, Juan ( Al Madrigal ), whom he saw and chatted with six times a week. But once the couple arrives at their rustic getaway, the story falls short of cohesive or funny, even with supporting roles played by the talented but underused Keith David and Lea Thompson , with a brief cameo from Nicole Byer . Aside from one heartfelt conversation between Dan and Jeanine, there's also not much substance to the script.

It's certainly not terrible. There are far worse offerings in theaters and on streaming services, but Unplugging has an uneven tone, and the attempts at broad comedy fall flat (like Dan and Jeanine shoplifting from the neighborhood gas station convenience store, or playing a silly, charades-like game). These shortcomings mark it as the sort of movie that tests viewers' willingness to put down their own phone to watch. There are funny bits sprinkled throughout (less-is-more moments that rely on the actors' physical comedy timing), but not nearly enough of them. The movie serves as a reminder that both Walsh and Longoria are best served on TV series and should consider going back to their roots. As for this lackluster comedy, it's skippable for a big movie night but, ironically, serviceable as a background stream while you multitask.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about the issue of technology use and overuse . How can couples and families set screen limits to ensure that they're fully present with one another?

How would you describe the movie's message about romantic relationships? Could any part of it be applied to teen friendships and relationships?

How does the movie depict the rural small-town setting? Is it stereotypical, or authentic?

What do Dan and Jeanine learn from their digital detox? Do you think your family would benefit from one? What about starting with a device-free dinner ?

Movie Details

• In theaters : April 22, 2022
• On DVD or streaming : April 29, 2022
• Cast : Matt Walsh , Eva Longoria , Lea Thompson
• Director : Debra Neil-Fisher
• Inclusion Information : Female actors, Latino actors
• Studio : Samuel Goldwyn Films
• Genre : Comedy
• Run time : 107 minutes
• MPAA rating : R
• MPAA explanation : language, some sexual content and brief drug use
• Last updated : December 7, 2022

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

Our editors recommend.

Crazy, Stupid, Love.

Hope Springs

Couples Retreat

The Mitchells vs. the Machines

Romantic comedies, best family comedy movies.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

• Back to Focus on the Family Podcast Network

Movie Review: Migration

The latest animated kids’ movie from Illumination Entertainment takes flight in theaters this week, and its old-fashioned storytelling thankfully won’t have families ducking for cover. 

Read the Plugged In Review

If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback .

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• DVD & Streaming

Oppenheimer

• Biography/History , Drama

Content Caution

In Theaters

• July 13, 2023
• Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer; Emily Blunt as Kitty Oppenheimer; Matt Damon as Lt. Gen. Leslie Groves; Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss; Macon Blair as Lloyd Garrison; Josh Hartnett as Ernest Lawrence; Florence Pugh as Jean Tatlock; Jefferson Hall as Haakon Chevalier; Josh Zuckerman as Rossi Lomanitz; David Krumholtz as Isidor Rabi; Guy Burnet as George Eltenton; Kenneth Branagh as Niels Bohr; James D’Arcy as Patrick Blackett; Dylan Arnold as Frank Oppenheimer; Tom Conti as Albert Einstein; David Dastmalchian as William Borden; Dane DeHaan as Kenneth Nichols; Christopher Denham as Klaus Fuchs; Benny Safdie as Edward Teller; Casey Affleck as Boris Pash; Gary Oldman as Harry Truman

Home Release Date

• November 21, 2023
• Christopher Nolan

Distributor

• Universal Pictures

Movie Review

“Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown,”Jesus said in Luke 4:24

That can certainly be said of J. Robert Oppenheimer, too. The theoretical physicist is called a prophet among physicists in the field. But despite his advancements in quantum mechanics and nuclear physics, very few people in America seem to like him.

In fact, when Lt. Gen. Leslie Groves comes to Oppenheimer’s classroom, looking to recruit him for a secret experiment called the Manhattan Project, Groves tells him as much: People around him see Oppenheimer as a “dilettante, womanizer, suspected communist.”

“Oppenheimer couldn’t run a hamburger stand,” Grove quotes.

Oppenheimer smirks. “I couldn’t,” he admits. “But I can run the Manhattan Project.”

From a technical standpoint, Oppenheimer’s selection as the director of the Project was an obvious choice. His awards and accolades made him the perfect man for the job.

But from a political standpoint, Oppenheimer garners a lot of suspicion.

That’s because while Oppenheimer might never say that he’s a Communist sympathizer, he’s sure got a lot of friends and family who are. And sure , maybe the Russians are technically fighting on the same side of World War II as the Americans, but that doesn’t mean the two superpowers truly see each other as allies.

So when someone leaks information to the communist-dominated country, it’s not long until the finger points at Oppenheimer. And that’s only the tip on an iceberg of evidence against the man.

And those accusations about his character and conduct will threaten to sink the father of the atomic bomb professionally in the years to come.

Positive Elements

The dropping of an atomic bomb is not an easy topic. Characters debate the morality of such an action. Someone warns that the creation of the atomic bomb will result in the deaths of many innocent people. “You drop a bomb,” he says, “and it falls on the just and the unjust.”

In one scene, officials argue about whether the bomb would result in fewer deaths on both sides of the conflict than a ground invasion of Japan. And so those involved continue to press forward with their grim “gadget” because they believe an invasion would be deadlier for all.

Characters furthermore debate the morality of creating a bomb itself. Some feel that such a weapon will force countries to get along, since people will finally realize that a future war could now end the human race with a single button push. And when physicists theorize that the bomb could ignite the world’s atmosphere in a chain reaction, some push to share the findings with Russia and the Nazis in order to warn them about that potentially world-ending consequence.

Though the film’s depiction of Oppenheimer tends to sit more towards the middle of the political spectrum, unwilling to fully commit one way or another, such a mentality makes him a prime suspect during the Red Scare. Indeed, many of Oppenheimer’s family members and friends sympathized with the Communist party, and the government fears that Oppenheimer might leak information to the Russians. But when Oppenheimer comes under fire for his alleged beliefs, many people, including those who disagree with him, stick up for him, expressing that they believe he’s loyal to the country.

Early in the movie, Oppenheimer and many of the scientists he recruits to his team seem particularly motivated by the plight of the Jews in Germany. Oppenheimer himself is Jewish, though not particularly devout. But he and many of his peers are primarily motivated not just by the desire to beat Germany in the production of the atomic bomb, but to save Jews and to keep Hitler from potentially using the invention upon them should his scientists succeed first (which they don’t).

Not all of those German scientists, we learn, want to serve Hitler’s research, and at least one of them is liberated from Nazi-held territory and then encourages Oppenheimer’s team.

Spiritual Elements

Oppenheimer is compared to an Old Testament prophet by another Jewish man, and the man warns Oppenheimer that such a title means he can’t be wrong—not once. He’s also compared to Prometheus, a Greek deity who stole fire from the gods to give it to humanity.

Oppenheimer also has a few visions or hallucinations. While some of these visions are depicted as something like traumatic moments of PTSD for the physicist, others show Oppenheimer seemingly looking into the cosmos to divine deeper meaning.

We additionally hear some other brief mentions of spirituality. Oppenheimer’s famous quote, “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds,” comes from the Hindu sacred writing the Bhagavad Gita and is spoken there by the Hindu god Vishnu.

A passing comment references Albert Einstein’s objection to quantum physics: “God does not play dice.” A man is described as the “son of a Russian Orthodox priest.” When thinking about the code name for the nuclear test, Oppenheimer offers “Trinity,” referencing a poem by John Donne. “Batter my heart, three-person’d God,” Oppenheimer recites.

After Oppenheimer’s wife, Kitty, learns of one of her husband’s affair, she tells him that he doesn’t “get to commit a sin and have us all feel sorry” for him. A thermonuclear reaction is described as “a terrible revelation of divine power.”

Sexual Content

Oppenheimer is described as a “womanizer,” and we endure some scenes of his escapades. In several scenes, Oppenheimer has sex with a woman. They’re both naked, and her breasts are visible, as are sexual movements. There’s also post-coital conversation afterward in which the woman’s breasts are again visible.

In one case, when a board questions Oppenheimer’s visits to a woman who was a known member of the Communist party, he suddenly appears naked in the room as the woman has sex with him there in front of everyone. The scene is meant to artistically symbolize how Kitty feels betrayed while she listens to Oppenheimer discuss the moment.

And on the subject of Kitty, the two initially meet at a party, and Oppenheimer continues to flirt with her despite discovering that she’s already married. The two engage in an affair (something we’ll hear is a relatively common thing for Oppenheimer). Kitty soon reveals that she’s pregnant, and she resolves to divorce her husband and marry Oppenheimer before the pregnancy begins to show. And even after Oppenheimer marries Kitty, we see him have an affair with another woman, and we hear of another that is spoken about during the testimony against him.

Someone crudely and sarcastically references doing violence to a man’s male anatomy. When a male scientist argues with a female scientist regarding how radiation exposure might affect her reproductive system, she quips, “Your reproductive system is more exposed than mine.” Two people kiss in celebration of the bomb’s success. Oppenheimer and Kitty kiss as well.

Violent Content

As Oppenheimer and his team cheerfully celebrate the successful dropping of the atomic bomb, Oppenheimer has a disturbing vision of sorts in which he imagines the people in the audience suffering the effects of the bomb: One woman’s skin begins peeling from her face, and Oppenheimer accidentally steps into the chest cavity of a charred corpse. We later hear reports of the bomb’s gruesome effect on the Japanese people. We’re also told of a firebombing which killed an estimated 100,000 people, “mostly civilians.”

The number of casualties ultimately reported by the atomic bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki are perhaps bigger than what had been estimated, and we have the sense that at least some of the Manhattan Project team members are struggling to come to grips with the violence that they they’ve unleashed.

When Oppenheimer tries to articulate a sense of responsibility for those deaths in a conversation with President Harry Truman, Truman himself chides the scientists and says that he was the one who’ll be remembered as responsible for those casualties, not Oppenheimer.

A woman is briefly seen dead, her head submerged in a bathtub. She’s overdosed on pills and committed suicide by drowning herself. A man suggests torturing someone to death. Oppenheimer injects someone’s apple with potassium cyanide, but he intercepts it before a victim could eat it.

And, of course, we watch the test of the bomb go off.

Crude or Profane Language

The f-word is used eight times, and the s-word is heard four times. We also hear the occasional uses of “a–,” “d–n,” “h—” and “crap.” God’s name is used in vain six times, three of which take the form of “g-dd–n.” Jesus’ name is abused three times.

Drug and Alcohol Content

People drink an assortment of alcoholic beverages. Oppenheimer smokes cigarettes almost continually, and there’s smoking by him and others throughout the movie. Someone notes that the bar at Los Alamos is “always running.”

Other Negative Elements

A man vomits. In a couple of scenes, Kitty and Oppenheimer neglect their children, who always seem to be crying. Both would say that they’re lousy parents; in fact, they ask a set of friends to care for their firstborn for several months so that Oppenheimer can focus exclusively on the Manhattan Project.

Robert Oppenheimer is a theoretical physicist. But, he admits, the problem with theory is that, until it’s tested, that’s all it’ll be.

The problem with actually testing an atomic weapon is that it risks the end of the world. Physicist Edward Teller suggested that such a weapon could (once again, in theory) cause a chain reaction that might destroy the world. His concern was that the bomb could produce temperatures so hot that it would cause the world’s hydrogen to fuse together into helium in an explosive way—similar to how our sun creates energy. This chain reaction would quickly envelop the whole world and end life as we know it.

Of course, we’re still here. Obviously, that theory didn’t immediately bear fruit. But Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan suggests that when the first atomic bomb exploded, it did ignite a chain reaction—but not the one Teller theorized. The movie grimly suggests that nuclear annihilation is still a possible outcome, and perhaps even an inescapable one. It just hasn’t come to pass … yet.

That chain reaction is illustrated by some early scenes that show Oppenheimer averting a tragic outcome at the last possible moment. In a moment of wrath, Oppenheimer poisons his professor’s apple, only snatching it away once he realizes what he’s done.

But Oppenheimer cannot snatch away the atomic bomb. Because, as one character explains, the bomb “isn’t a new weapon. It’s a new world.”

Oppenheimer paints a bleak picture of the future of humanity. But let’s be clear: A bleak worldview isn’t why Nolan’s latest drama has an R-rating. That’s where the content comes in.

For a film set primarily during World War II, the violence of the bomb is only hauntingly hinted at here. Jean Tatlock’s suicide by drowning should also be noted.

But Oppenheimer ’s biggest content issues arise from its sexual content and crude language, the latter of which is due to the film’s many uses of the f-word. A couple of scenes contain explicit sex and nudity—most prominently when Oppenheimer has a nude conversation with his ex-lover, the camera showing off the woman’s breasts and barely hiding the two’s lower bits.

That’s not to say that Oppenheimer doesn’t provide some interesting and important perspective into a monumentous moment in American history. It definitely does. But prospective viewers will need to prepare themselves for a film that, while not world-ending, certainly leans into content that easily could have been suggested far less graphically.

Kennedy Unthank

Kennedy Unthank studied journalism at the University of Missouri. He knew he wanted to write for a living when he won a contest for “best fantasy story” while in the 4th grade. What he didn’t know at the time, however, was that he was the only person to submit a story. Regardless, the seed was planted. Kennedy collects and plays board games in his free time, and he loves to talk about biblical apologetics. He thinks the ending of Lost “wasn’t that bad.”

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