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Our take
War of the Worlds follows a father trying to protect his teenage son and young daughter as alien machines destroy their world. People turn to ash, bodies drift in a river, and the children face danger for much of the film, including a terrifying capture. Moderate swearing is a smaller concern than the sustained panic and dread. We put it at around 14 and up; younger viewers may find the fear overwhelming.
Uplifting themes
Underneath the chaos is a story about a careless dad learning to put his children first. Protectiveness and small acts of help appear, even as fear brings out the worst in some people Ray starts out as a poor father and grows into someone who will risk everything for his kids. He is far from perfect, and some of his choices are harsh, which gives families plenty to weigh up
Story (may spoil tone)
Ray Ferrier is a divorced dockworker and less-than-perfect father. Soon after his ex-wife and her new husband drop off his teenage son and young daughter for a rare weekend visit, a strange and powerful lightning storm touches down.
Details
Violence Alien machines cut through crowds for most of the film, and people are…
Alien machines cut through crowds for most of the film, and people are killed on a massive scale. There are panicked mobs, a car taken by force, and a tense struggle with a frightened stranger. It is intense once the attack begins
Language The s-word is the strongest recurring language, alongside hell, religio…
The s-word is the strongest recurring language, alongside hell, religious exclamations, and an a-word insult. Swearing rises during the scariest scenes without becoming constant
Frightening Alien machines turn people to dust, bodies drift down a river, and a pr…
Alien machines turn people to dust, bodies drift down a river, and a probing alien searches a basement. The fear and tension last through much of the film
Child peril / abuse Ray's daughter and teenage son are in danger for almost the entire film…
Ray's daughter and teenage son are in danger for almost the entire film. His daughter is captured and caged by an alien machine before he rescues her. Her fear is intense
Gore / death / weapons Deaths come constantly, though the camera stays fairly restrained. Peop…
Deaths come constantly, though the camera stays fairly restrained. People vanish into ash, blood is sprayed across the land to feed red weed, and corpses drift past in a river. The wounds themselves are not dwelt on
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
Family watch notes
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Talk after watching
- The film shows ordinary people turning on each other under pressure. How do you think a family should act in a real emergency?
- Ray makes some hard choices to protect his kids. Which ones felt right to you, and which went too far?
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War of the Worlds
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