What we flagged
View all categories
Our take
Ellen enters treatment for anorexia, and To the Bone stays close to the details of her illness. Her body, food routines and conversations about purging and self-harm may be difficult for a teen with their own eating concerns. There is strong language and brief nudity as well. We would wait until 16 and think carefully about the child watching with us.
Uplifting themes
The film argues that honest treatment and chosen family can pull someone toward recovery, even when progress is uneven. It also shows how harmful commenters can be about weight Dr. Beckham pushes blunt honesty, and some peers support Ellen, though adults also fail her at times. Recovery is portrayed as possible but not easy
Story (may spoil tone)
A young woman dealing with anorexia meets an unconventional doctor who challenges her to face her condition and embrace life.
Details
Language Dialogue includes many f-words and crude insults across family fights a…
Dialogue includes many f-words and crude insults across family fights and ward banter. Parents hear s-word, b-word, and vulgar body jokes as well
Sex / nudity Ellen appears nude with part of her buttocks and lower breast visible d…
Ellen appears nude with part of her buttocks and lower breast visible during a personal moment. A sketch of a nude woman with nipples shown hangs in her room
Drugs / alcohol Ellen smokes cigarettes in several scenes, usually when she is stressed…
Ellen smokes cigarettes in several scenes, usually when she is stressed at home or work. There is no drug abuse storyline or addiction arc beyond that habit
Frightening Hospital weigh-ins, sobbing breakdowns, and the sight of Ellen's skelet…
Hospital weigh-ins, sobbing breakdowns, and the sight of Ellen's skeletal frame are meant to disturb. Viewers with lived experience may find it hard to watch regardless of age
Self-harm / suicide Cutting and other self-harm are talked about repeatedly among patients,…
Cutting and other self-harm are talked about repeatedly among patients, with scars implied. A medical crisis near the end raises fear of death without showing a suicide attempt on screen
Eating disorders / body image Ellen's anorexia is the whole story, with visible emaciation, calorie r…
Ellen's anorexia is the whole story, with visible emaciation, calorie rules, and treatment-group talk about purging and self-harm. Viewers see her naked from the side and watch an intimate bottle-feeding scene meant to show regression, not romance
Mental health Depression, hospital rules, and group therapy for eating disorders shap…
Depression, hospital rules, and group therapy for eating disorders shape every chapter. Characters discuss cutting and past trauma openly
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
- Ellen's family loves her but often says the wrong thing about food and weight. How can adults support recovery without turning meals into battles?
- Peers in the house bond through dark humor about their illnesses. When does joking help, and when does it hide real pain?
Ask ClearAge
To the Bone
Ask about this guide, or name another film to open its ClearAge page.