What we flagged
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Our take
The Shining follows a family isolated in a hotel as the father becomes increasingly dangerous. A child sees ghosts, an axe is used to threaten people, and full nudity turns into a disturbing image. Alcoholism and domestic violence are central, with a past suicide described in dialogue. The slow dread makes this a difficult horror watch even for experienced teens. We put it at 16 and up.
Uplifting themes
Wendy’s job becomes getting her son out alive, and a kind cook tries to reach them across the snow. Care shows up in small, practical ways. The film does not pretend that love automatically heals a violent parent Wendy is frightened and still keeps moving for Danny. The cook is warm with the boy and takes him seriously. Jack is a warning, not a model, which is the point
Story (may spoil tone)
Jack Torrance accepts a caretaker job at the Overlook Hotel, where he, along with his wife Wendy and their son Danny, must live isolated from the rest of the world for the winter. But they aren't prepared for the madness that lurks within.
What we flagged
Details
Violence A father stalks his wife and little boy with an axe through halls and s…
A father stalks his wife and little boy with an axe through halls and snow, and an adult is struck down in a doorway. Threats of killing the family are spoken out loud. The chase is long, loud, and meant to feel inescapable
Language The f-word comes in angry bursts as Jack unravels, along with hell, a-w…
The f-word comes in angry bursts as Jack unravels, along with hell, a-word, and b-word insults aimed at his wife and child. It is not constant chatter, but when it arrives it is hostile. The swearing and the menace travel together
Sex / nudity A woman appears fully nude in a bathroom, then the body is shown decayi…
A woman appears fully nude in a bathroom, then the body is shown decaying in his arms. A later party glimpse includes a sexual act in costume that is meant to unsettle, not arouse. It is brief and very strange
Drugs / alcohol Jack's alcoholism is central. He has been sober, but drinking in the ho…
Jack's alcoholism is central. He has been sober, but drinking in the hotel accompanies his return to anger and violence. The film ties alcohol to harm
Frightening Empty corridors, twin ghosts, a lift that pours blood, and a child’s vi…
Empty corridors, twin ghosts, a lift that pours blood, and a child’s visions keep the dread running for two hours. Quiet stretches make the shocks worse. This is horror whose whole point is to get under your skin
Self-harm / suicide Staff describe a previous caretaker who died by suicide after attacking…
Staff describe a previous caretaker who died by suicide after attacking his family. The death is not shown, but the account adds to the hotel's dread
Sexual violence A bathroom encounter turns from seduction into a disturbing supernatura…
A bathroom encounter turns from seduction into a disturbing supernatural image. Another sexual image appears briefly at a party. No extended assault is shown
Child peril / abuse Danny is trapped in the hotel with a father who has hurt him before and…
Danny is trapped in the hotel with a father who has hurt him before and now hunts him with an axe. Wendy is frightened too and tries to protect him
Bullying / discrimination Jack’s talk at his wife is contempt dressed as jokes, then open rage. H…
Jack’s talk at his wife is contempt dressed as jokes, then open rage. He belittles her in front of their son and treats both as problems to be removed. That domestic scorn is the human horror under the ghosts
Gore / death / weapons Blood floods a lift in slow motion, and an axe is shown working in a do…
Blood floods a lift in slow motion, and an axe is shown working in a door and in a killing. The twins appear with visible wounds. The images linger more than splatter, and they stay with you
Mental health Isolation and Jack's past violence accompany his break from reality. Da…
Isolation and Jack's past violence accompany his break from reality. Danny's frightening visions leave him isolated too. The film offers little relief from either character's distress
Grief / bereavement The hotel’s past includes a family who never left, and Danny meets trac…
The hotel’s past includes a family who never left, and Danny meets traces of those children. Loss sits in the building more than in tears. Sensitive teens may feel that leftover sorrow
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
- Jack’s drinking and temper were a problem before the hotel. How did isolation make that worse on screen?
- Danny sees things adults want to brush off. When should a child be believed about fear?
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The Shining
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