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Is it too scary?
By Jamie Collins
Updated: May 14, 2022
Originally Published: Jan. 13, 2022
Paramount Pictures
In case you haven’t noticed, we’re experiencing a wave of nostalgia, especially for the ’90s and early 2000s. For those of us who identify as elder millennials, this revival allows us to revisit some cherished memories, from Brendan Fraser to chokers. One prominent example is the resurgence of the Scream movie franchise, which kicked off in 1996 and has since produced three sequels over the years. Now, in 2022, we’re greeted with the much-anticipated Scream 5. Naturally, you’re excited to watch it, but there’s a catch: with the nostalgic appeal and a fresh cast of trendy young actors, your tween or teen might be clamoring to join you for this latest installment, as well as the rest of the series. So, let’s dive into the Scream parents’ guide.
What Should You Know Before Letting Your Kids Watch?
What’s the Plot of Scream?
Directed by Wes Craven and penned by Kevin Williamson, the original film introduces viewers to the fictional town of Woodsboro, California, where a group of teens becomes the targets of a mysterious killer dressed in a Halloween costume. Known as Ghostface, the killer preys on one particular teen, Sidney Prescott (played by Neve Campbell), as he eliminates her friends and peers. In the film sequels, nearly everyone Sidney cares about meets a grim fate at Ghostface’s hands, except for tabloid reporter Gail Weathers (Courteney Cox) and Sheriff Dwight “Dewey” Riley (David Arquette). The new “requel” continues from where Scream 4 left off, featuring Campbell, Cox, and Arquette once again, alongside a new group of contemporary teens, portrayed by rising stars like Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, and Dylan Minnette.
What Are the Ratings for the Scream Films?
Fans of the franchise will know that every Scream film has received an R rating. The Motion Picture Association describes this rating as containing adult material, urging parents to learn more before taking young children along. Since viewers must be at least 17 to see an R-rated film unaccompanied, anyone under this age needs to be with a parent or guardian.
Is Scream Suitable for Tweens?
Every parent has their own comfort levels when it comes to screen time, so it’s tough to make blanket statements. Some parents might be strict about letting their kids watch anything rated PG-13 or above until they reach high school, while others might have allowed them to see World War Z at a much younger age. If your child tends to be anxious or easily frightened, it may be wise to wait until they’re older. Reviews from critics, parents, and tweens indicate that viewing the Scream franchise is generally more appropriate for older children. For context, Stranger Things—another popular teen show—is rated TV-14, which is comparable to PG-13. Given the franchise’s emphasis on violence, mature language, risky behavior, and sexual references, it’s likely that the original film would be the best option for younger viewers eager to watch it.
What About Teens?
You may have been a teen when the first film was released. Did it leave a lasting impression on you? While it might not have, Common Sense Media recommends that only those over 16 should view the franchise, with some parents suggesting it’s okay for 14+. Tweens themselves believe that 13+ should be fine. Ultimately, parenting is unpredictable, and decisions will vary by family.
To aid your choice, Slate’s Scaredy Scale rates Scream 5 at a 7/10 for suspense (similar to Jaws) and an 8/10 for gore (matching the original Scream and Alien). Be aware that the film contains graphic blood scenes, strong language, teen drinking (plus a reference to drug use), and several instances of sexual dialogue.
Examples of Mild Sexual Content in Scream
- A character wears a “Boob Inspector” hat.
- A teenage girl is depicted in a bra.
- A kissing scene occurs between Billy and Sidney, with some suggestive actions.
- There are discussions surrounding virginity and sexual encounters.
- Various characters reference Sidney’s mother’s tragic past.
- A bloody scene includes a man’s throat being slit.
This summary should help you make an informed decision about whether Scream is right for your kids or not. If you’re still unsure, check out our other blog post here for more insights. For authoritative information on home insemination, you can also visit Make a Mom or Hopkins Medicine for valuable resources.
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Summary:
The Scream franchise, while nostalgic, is rated R and may not be suitable for younger viewers. Parents should assess their children’s maturity and comfort with horror films before allowing them to watch.
Keyphrase: Scream Parents Guide
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