Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Screenwise Verdict

Let's be real: this isn't a family movie, and it's barely a teen movie. The Revenant is a technical masterpiece that's also kind of an ordeal to sit through. Yes, the cinematography is breathtaking. Yes, DiCaprio earned that Oscar. But it's also 157 minutes of watching a man get destroyed by a bear and then crawl through snow while grunting.

For parents wondering if their high schooler can watch it: maybe if they're 17+, genuinely interested in filmmaking or history, and you've had serious conversations about graphic content. The bear scene alone has traumatized grown adults. This isn't Marvel violence where people get thrown through buildings and walk away—it's realistic, sustained, and brutal.

The enrichment value is there if you're looking for historical context about frontier life or want to discuss themes of revenge and survival. But honestly? Most modern teens will find it slow and boring between the violent parts, which kind of defeats the purpose. It's not 'unwatchable' in the way a 1940s melodrama might be, but it's definitely a 'you have to be in the right mood and maturity level' situation.

Bottom line: This is an adult film that some mature older teens might appreciate for its artistry, but it's absolutely not appropriate for family movie night unless your family is really into frontier suffering.

Age Fit

This is strictly for older teens (17+) and adults who can handle extreme violence and have the patience for a slow-burn art film. Younger viewers will either be traumatized by the violence or bored by the pacing—probably both.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

25

This is a brutal revenge tale set in the 1820s frontier. The entire premise centers on vengeance after violent betrayal, with themes of survival through extreme suffering. While there's determination and resilience on display, the emotional tone is dark, grim, and unrelenting. Not a model of cooperation or kindness—it's about a man crawling through hell to kill the people who wronged him.

Imaginative

72

Visually stunning cinematography that immerses viewers in 1820s wilderness with natural lighting and sweeping landscapes. Director Alejandro González Iñárritu's ambitious vision creates an almost immersive historical experience. However, it's not particularly imaginative in inviting creativity or exploration from viewers—it's a passive, cinematic experience rather than one that sparks building or creative expression. The survival story itself is compelling but follows a fairly linear revenge narrative.

Safe

15

This is one of the most graphically violent mainstream films of the 2010s. The infamous bear mauling scene is intensely brutal and realistic. Multiple scenes of graphic violence, gore, scalping, throat-slitting, and visceral survival horror throughout. Brief sexual assault scene. Likely rated R for strong frontier combat and violence including gory images, a sexual assault, language and brief nudity. This is absolutely NOT safe for unexpected viewing by children or even most teens.

Enriching

58

There's genuine historical context about frontier life, Native American conflicts, and the fur trade era. Themes of human endurance, survival against impossible odds, and the cost of revenge offer some depth. Leonardo DiCaprio's committed performance and the technical filmmaking achievement are noteworthy. However, the enrichment is undermined by the relentless brutality and narrow focus on vengeance. It's more of an endurance test than a deeply meaningful exploration of the human condition, though some viewers find philosophical weight in the suffering.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Stunning cinematography using natural light creates an immersive historical experience that won Emmanuel Lubezki an Oscar
Genuine insight into 1820s frontier survival, fur trade era, and the brutal realities of that time period
Themes of human endurance and determination in the face of impossible odds can spark discussions about resilience
Technical filmmaking achievement that older teens interested in cinema might appreciate
Leonardo DiCaprio's Oscar-winning performance shows serious commitment to craft

⚠

What to Watch For

The bear attack scene is legendarily brutal and realistic—this isn't Marvel violence, it's visceral and disturbing
Graphic violence throughout: scalping, throat-slitting, gore, and sustained suffering that's hard to watch
Brief but disturbing sexual assault scene
At 157 minutes, it's a slow, methodical slog that many modern viewers (especially younger ones) find boring despite the violence
The whole movie is basically watching a man suffer—not exactly uplifting family viewing

Conversation Starters

"What do you think the movie is saying about revenge? Does Glass actually feel better at the end?"
"How did people survive in the wilderness back then without modern medicine or technology?"
"The director used only natural light for filming—how does that change the way the movie feels compared to other films?"
"Do you think this is a realistic portrayal of frontier life, or is it Hollywood exaggeration?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic