Is there a lot of nudity?

Yes, there are several scenes involving male nudity and simulated sex. It’s handled artistically but it is definitely 'R-rated' territory, so don't be caught off guard if you're watching with your family.

Is it too sad for a casual movie night?

Probably. It’s a heavy drama about regret and lost time. If you’re looking for a fun night in, this isn't the one. Save it for when you're in the mood for a serious cry.

How historically accurate is the 'policeman' aspect?

It accurately reflects the 1950s UK laws where 'gross indecency' between men was a crime. The irony of a policeman—the one supposed to uphold the law—being the one breaking it is a central theme.

Do I need to read the book first?

Not really. The movie stands on its own, though fans of Bethan Roberts' novel might find the film a bit more rushed in the character development department.

My Policeman – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

My Policeman

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2022

62%

WISE Score

A somber, slow-burn look at a 1950s love triangle that proves Harry Styles is better at being a pop star than a repressed British copper.

7.6

→

My Policeman

movie

2022

62%

WISE Score

A somber, slow-burn look at a 1950s love triangle that proves Harry Styles is better at being a pop star than a repressed British copper.

7.6

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7.6

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Screenwise Verdict

My Policeman is a handsomely mounted drama that feels like it’s trying very hard to be an Oscar contender but lands more like a very sad, very slow Sunday afternoon movie. It’s worth a watch if you’re a fan of the leads or specifically interested in LGBTQ+ history, but it’s not exactly 'entertainment.'

For parents, the main takeaway is that this is a heavy R-rated movie. It’s not a fun pop-culture moment just because Harry Styles is in it. It’s a story about ruined lives, decades of resentment, and the cruelty of the past. If your teen wants to watch it, make sure they’re ready for a serious conversation about the history of policing morality.

Age Fit

This is strictly for the 16+ crowd. Younger teens will likely be bored by the lack of action, and the sexual maturity required to process the 'secret life' narrative isn't there for the middle-school set.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

While it explores themes of love and loyalty, the core of the story is built on necessary deception and the collateral damage of societal repression. It is emotionally heavy and somber rather than uplifting.

Imaginative

It is a standard period piece drama. It leans heavily on established tropes of 'forbidden love' and 'repressed British emotions' without much formal or narrative innovation.

Safe

Not for kids. The film includes explicit sexual content and deals with the historical trauma of the persecution of gay men. It’s 'safe' for mature teens and adults, but contains content that would be a major surprise for younger viewers.

Enriching

Excellent for historical context regarding LGBTQ+ rights in the UK. It offers a visceral look at how legal and social systems once forced people into devastating double lives.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Historical empathy for what it was like to live as a queer person when it was literally a crime.
Stellar production design that captures the dreary, muted aesthetic of post-war Britain.
Thought-provoking ending that avoids easy resolutions for the characters' lifelong regrets.

⚠

What to Watch For

Explicit sex scenes that are essential to the plot but definitely put this in the 'adults only' or 'mature teens' category.
Glacial pacing that might have your kid checking their phone within twenty minutes.
Emotional betrayal that is quite painful to watch, especially regarding how the character Marion is treated by the two men.

Conversation Starters

"How did the laws of the 1950s force people to hurt those they supposedly loved?"
"Do you think Marion was a victim in this story, or was she also responsible for the outcome?"
"Why is it important to see stories where the 'happy ending' was impossible because of the time period?"

Deep Dive

The Styles Factor vs. The Story

Let’s be real: most people are clicking on this because of Harry Styles. He does a decent job, but the movie’s real strength lies in the older versions of the characters played by Linus Roache, Gina McKee, and Rupert Everett. The film jumps between the 1950s and the 1990s, and while the younger cast gets the 'passionate' scenes, the older cast carries the actual emotional weight of the story.

A History Lesson in Repression

If you use this as a teaching tool, it’s actually quite effective. It illustrates the concept of a 'lavender marriage'—a marriage of convenience to hide one's true orientation—and the devastating effect that had on the women involved, not just the men.

"The kind of glacially paced movie... surface-level queer representation lacking in visual imagination." — Roger Ebert Reviews

While some critics found it 'surface-level,' for a teen who hasn't seen much historical queer cinema, it can be a powerful introduction. Just be prepared for the fact that it is a tragedy. There are no capes, no catchy songs, and very little joy. It’s a movie about the cost of being yourself in a world that won't let you.

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