Gone Girl parents guide

Gone Girl Parent Guide

Although the film is finely crafted and features good performances, its mature themes and graphic content will likely have many family viewers choosing to let this girl go.

Overall C-

At first, every one feels sorry for Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) when his wife (Rosamund Pike) mysteriously disappears on their wedding anniversary. But sympathy is replaced with suspicion as investigators uncover sobering facts about the true nature of the couple's relationship.

Release date October 3, 2014

Violence D
Sexual Content D
Profanity D
Substance Use C-

Why is Gone Girl rated R? The MPAA rated Gone Girl R for a scene of bloody violence, some strong sexual content/nudity, and language.

Run Time: 149 minutes

Official Movie Site

Parent Movie Review

Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) receives immediate sympathy when wife Amy (Rosamund Pike) vanishes on their fifth wedding anniversary. But that sentiment is quickly displaced by suspicion. After an interrogation by Detective Boney (Kim Dickens), it appears Nick is somewhat ambivalent about his spouse’s disappearance. He also seems to know little about her, including the identity of her best friend. (It is only upon his return home that Nick meets Noelle—played by Casey Wilson—who emphatically informs him she is Amy’s favorite chum.)

As Amy’s parents, the community and the media becomes more involved with the story of the missing woman, the idea that Nick may be responsible gains momentum. The only person not onboard the accusation train is Nick’s sister Margo (Carrie Coon). Yet we know, from a flashback of an earlier conversation between the siblings, that Nick was not excited about the upcoming anniversary celebration. Nor was he enthusiastic about participating in Amy’s traditional scavenger hunt, where she leaves little hints leading to a big surprise. And this year, with the police watching his every move, the game is taking on a very different and alarming meaning. Each new clue only seems to further indict a bewildered Nick, who continues to plead his innocence.

Skillfully directed, edited and written, Gone Girl is worthy of the awards attention it has obtained (nominations include Best Picture from the Critics Choice Awards, and Best Actress -Rosamund Pike - from the Academy Awards). The engaging thriller offers numerous plot twists and points a finger at the public, and the way we jump to conclusions based on what pieces of information the media shares. It presents an interesting spin on the factors that influence popular opinion/bias. That’s the good news.

What won’t be as appreciated are the profanities, sexual content and violent portrayals contained in this R-rated movie. One interlude depicting sexual activity (which includes breast nudity) ends with a murder and explicit blood effects. Other scenes show violent altercations and a character fantasizing about suicide. Parents can also expect numerous sexual expletives, scatological slang, crude anatomical terms, and religious exclamations. Also concerning are substance abuse, purchases of illegal drugs, intravenous needle use, drinking and some smoking.

Although the film is finely crafted and features good performances, its mature themes and graphic content will likely have many family viewers choosing to let this girl go.

Directed by David Fincher. Starring Rosamund Pike, Ben Affleck, Neil Patrick Harris, Missi Pyle. Running time: 149 minutes. Theatrical release October 3, 2014. Updated

Gone Girl
Rating & Content Info

Why is Gone Girl rated R? Gone Girl is rated R by the MPAA for a scene of bloody violence, some strong sexual content/nudity, and language.

Violence: This movie includes domestic confrontations and an explicit scene of sexual violence (with nudity) resulting in gratuitous blood effects. Other scenes depict coercion, dishonesty and deception within a relationship of trust. A character engages in self-inflicted injury. A character contemplates suicide. A character removes blood from an arm by inserting a needle.



Sexual Content: Several scenes of sexual activity are shown -- some with breast and buttock nudity. One ends with an explicit violent episode. Another depicts adultery (it is implied this infidelity has been ongoing for some time). The script includes sexual discussions, fondling, innuendo and comments suggesting a character is engaged in an incestuous relationship.



Language: The sexual expletive and variations are heard throughout this film (over 40 noted). Scatological slang, crude anatomical terms and religious exclamations are also included.



Alcohol / Drug Use: A woman is seen purchasing illegal drugs. A needle is used to draw blood. An intravenous tube is seen in a medical setting. Characters drink alcohol in various scenes and one character appears slightly inebriated. Tobacco use is depicted.

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Gone Girl Parents' Guide

This movie is based on the novel Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.

Talk about the movie with your family…

How does this movie examine the role of media in society? How can our reliance on media influence our perception of events? Do you feel the media shows a gender bias in stories of spousal abuse?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of Gone Girl movie is January 13, 2015. Here are some details…

Home Video Notes: Gone Girl
Release Date: 13 January 2015
Gone Girl releases to home video (Blu-ray/DVD/Ultraviolet) with the following extras:
- Audio commentary with Director David Fincher
- ‘Amazing Amy Tattle Tale’ Book

Related home video titles:

Trouble between spouses leads to other suspicious deaths in the movies Dial M For Murder, Double Indemnity and Rear Window.

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