What we flagged
View all categories
Our take
A father starts seeing frightening storms and wonders whether he can trust his own mind. Take Shelter moves slowly, but its nightmares and family strain build a dread that can last after the film ends. There is strong language and a discreet bedroom scene. For us, 14 is a sensible starting point.
Uplifting themes
The film honours family loyalty and shows a spouse who stays supportive during a hard time. It also encourages people to seek help for mental health problems Samantha is patient and loving, and Curtis is a devoted father who tries to protect his family. His secrecy makes things harder for everyone A thoughtful look at how mental illness can run in families and how fear and stigma keep people silent. Best for older teens who can discuss it
Story (may spoil tone)
Plagued by a series of apocalyptic visions, a young husband and father questions whether to shelter his family from a coming storm, or from himself.
What we flagged
Details
Violence Dream sequences include sudden attacks, and the hero lashes out in ange…
Dream sequences include sudden attacks, and the hero lashes out in anger at least once. The violence is brief, with no sustained fighting
Language The f-word and s-word come up several times, especially during angry ar…
The f-word and s-word come up several times, especially during angry arguments, along with damn and the b-word. It is not constant but it is strong when it appears
Sex / nudity A married couple shares kisses and one intimate bedroom scene that is k…
A married couple shares kisses and one intimate bedroom scene that is kept discreet. Nothing graphic is shown, and the couple's closeness is part of what is at stake
Frightening Dark storm clouds, oily rain, flocks of birds, and menacing figures hau…
Dark storm clouds, oily rain, flocks of birds, and menacing figures haunt the hero's nightmares, with sudden jolts and loud thunder. The dread builds for most of the film and the ending can leave viewers uneasy
Child peril / abuse In the hero's nightmares his young daughter is in danger. In real life…
In the hero's nightmares his young daughter is in danger. In real life she is cared for, though his behaviour affects her
Gore / death / weapons A dog attack in a nightmare leaves a bloody wound, and a few other drea…
A dog attack in a nightmare leaves a bloody wound, and a few other dream images are unsettling. Nothing is lingered over
Mental health A man fears he is losing his mind as visions and paranoia grow, and the…
A man fears he is losing his mind as visions and paranoia grow, and the film follows his struggle with doctors, family history, and fear of being judged. The symptoms are shown in detail and without a neat fix
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
What other parents think.
Be the first family to leave a watch note.
Talk after watching
- Curtis keeps his fears secret for a long time. What makes it hard for people to ask for help with their mental health?
- Samantha stays loyal even when she does not understand what is happening. What does supporting someone through a hard time look like?
Ask ClearAge
Take Shelter
Ask about this guide, or name another film to open its ClearAge page.