Our take
A Complete Unknown follows young Bob Dylan's arrival in 1960s New York and his rise in folk music. Rated PG-13 for language, smoking, brief sexuality, and thematic elements. Expect artistic rebellion, protest-era politics, casual smoking, and references to depression and suicide in song lyrics. Best for teens interested in music history and 1960s culture
Uplifting themes
Artistic integrity, speaking truth to power, and finding your voice matter deeply Dylan and peers model creative courage, though personal choices are complicated
Story (may spoil tone)
New York, early 1960s. Against the backdrop of a vibrant music scene and tumultuous cultural upheaval, an enigmatic 19-year-old from Minnesota arrives in the West Village with his guitar and revolutionary talent, destined to change the course of American music.
What we flagged
Scores are 0–5: 0 means none; 5 means the strongest we flagged in that category.
Details
Violence Anti-war lyrics reference guns and bombs; no graphic battlefield violen…
Anti-war lyrics reference guns and bombs; no graphic battlefield violence
Language Damn and other moderate profanity in heated music-scene arguments
Damn and other moderate profanity in heated music-scene arguments
Sex / nudity Romantic relationships and suggestive song lyrics; brief intimacy possi…
Romantic relationships and suggestive song lyrics; brief intimacy possible
Drugs / alcohol Frequent cigarette smoking and party drinking in 1960s club scenes
Frequent cigarette smoking and party drinking in 1960s club scenes
Frightening Emotional intensity around fame and protest, but little horror-style sc…
Emotional intensity around fame and protest, but little horror-style scares
Self-harm / suicide Suicide is referenced in song lyrics and literary talk, not depicted gr…
Suicide is referenced in song lyrics and literary talk, not depicted graphically
Sexual violence No sexual violence found in this title
No sexual violence found in this title
Child peril / abuse No child peril found in this title
No child peril found in this title
Bullying / discrimination No bullying found in this title
No bullying found in this title
Gore / death / weapons No gore found in this title
No gore found in this title
Dangerous behaviour No dangerous behavior found in this title
No dangerous behavior found in this title
Eating disorders / body image No eating found in this title
No eating found in this title
Mental health Depression and emotional isolation appear around fame and relationships
Depression and emotional isolation appear around fame and relationships
Gambling No gambling found in this title
No gambling found in this title
Grief / bereavement No grief found in this title
No grief found in this title
Talk after watching
- How did folk music help people talk about war and civil rights?
- What does it mean to stay authentic when fame arrives quickly?