Side Effects

Theatrical Release: 2/8/2013

Reviewer: Dick Rolfe
Source: Theater
Writer: Scott Z. Burns
Producer: Scott Z. Burns
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 106 min.
MPAA Rating: R
Starring: Rooney Mara, Channing Tatum, Jude Law, Catherine Zeta-Jones

Synopsis:
A provocative thriller about Emily and Martin (Rooney Mara and Channing Tatum), a successful New York couple whose world unravels when a new drug prescribed by Emily's psychiatrist (Jude Law) - intended to treat anxiety - has unexpected side effects.

Dove Worldview:
Included with every prescription medicine is a list of side effects printed on an accompanying sheet. TV ads list some pretty alarming side effects of prescription drugs, while encouraging viewers to get their doctors to prescribe the "cure-all." Some side effects make you question whether or not to take the medication at all.

"Side Effects" the movie, is based on the warning labels attached to anti-depressant drugs. In Emily's case, the side effects of her prescription include sleep walking. This psychological thriller has several clever plot twists that keep the audience guessing as the story unfolds. That said, the content is out of bounds for a Dove Family Approved Seal. Profanity, nudity and a lesbian love scene spoil an otherwise intensely fascinating story.

The side effect of this movie left me somewhat depressed, wishing that this film was made without assaulting one's sensitivities.

Content Chart & Description

Rating Descriptions

Sex: Married couple making love twice - once explicit, A lesbian love affair with fondling and kissing but no nudity
Language: F-17, S-3, G-1
Violence: Bloody footprints, Stabbing, Electric shock therapy, Slapping - 2,
Drugs: Some drinking, Many instances of taking various anti-depressant drugs
Nudity: Brief female full frontal nudity, Shirtless male, Topless female from the back
Other: Many characters are conniving and look out for themselves at the detriment of others

The Dove Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our mission is to encourage and promote the creation, production, distribution and consumption of wholesome family entertainment. We are supported primarily by donations from families such as yours who want to move Hollywood in a more family-friendly direction. All donations are tax deductible. The Dove "Family-Approved", Dove "Family-Edited" and Dove "Family-Filtered" Seals are registered trademarks of The Dove Foundation. http://www.dove.org

Copyright © 2010 - The Dove Foundation - all rights reserved
Review syndication authorized for ChristianCinema.com