Things Heard and Seen Parents Guide + Movie Review

Things Heard and Seen, is a Netflix movie based on the book, All Things Cease to Appear, by Elizabeth Brundage. Touted as an American horror thriller film, what ages is it appropriate for?  I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements, including its TV-MA rating, in my Things Heard and Seen Parents Guide and Movie Review. Here’s what parents need to know to help YOU decide if it’s appropriate for your teens. As always, no spoilers!

Things Heard and Seen Parents Guide + Movie Review

Things Heard and Seen is directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini and stars Amanda Seyfried and James Norton. While I’m not one who’s too keen on horror movies that portray a lot of graphic blood and gore, I do enjoy a good suspenseful film. 

I also remember being a teenager and wanting to see all of the movies that weren’t necessarily appropriate for my age, which is why I think a Parents Guide is always helpful. Let’s face it, just because you might tell your teen they cannot watch a certain movie, doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t find an alternative way to watch it. I’m just keeping it real here, folks. Think back to when you were that age. 

Things Heard and Seen Age Recommendation? Here’s your Parents Guide:

Things Heard and Seen has a TV-MA rating (mature audiences), meaning that it might not be appropriate for children under 17 years old. For the most part, I would agree with this. There is certainly a lot going on in this movie. A lot of things teenagers do not need to see. As a parent, there’s a few things you need to know about this movie. Let’s take a closer look at some of the questionable thematic elements. 

Violence

Things certainly get a bit intense in the violence department. There is one exceptionally graphic scene that shows a lot of blood, and is just genuinely disturbing. There is also domestic abuse as well as murder.

Language

This movie sure likes the word “F*ck,” as it is abundantly used. 

Mature Content

Things Heard and Seen has its fair share of mature topics. Smoking, drinking, driving while intoxicated, and an eating disorder all come to mind. You also see the behind of George (James Norton). Those are the more mild mature themes. Ultimately, George is a sociopath and a pathological liar. Going into the movie, you immediately know he’s hiding something. However, as the story unfolds, you learn just how crazy he really is. 

There is also the theme that house Catherine (Amanda Seyfried) and George moved into is haunted by its previous owners. Some audiences might have issues with this, as there is a seance as well as objects mysteriously moving throughout the house. 

Taking the above into consideration, I would absolutely agree with the TV-MA rating. However, if you have a more mature 16 or 17 year old who is interested in this movie, I’d encourage you to watch it along with them.

Overall Thoughts

Things Heard and Seen is downright cryptic. Sure it’s your typical story about a family that moves into an old house which just so happens to be haunted. However, there is certainly depth to this story. You can only keep your secrets hidden for so long. When the truth comes out, it comes out at full force. There’s just no stopping it or the damage it will do.

At 2 hours long, Things Heard and Seen did tend to be a bit slow. Add in that it is rather predictable and cliche, I’d say it would have been better off at the 1 hour 30 minute mark.

Bottom line, if you’re looking for some light suspense with a familiar story, it’s worth the watch. Save it for a rainy day to make it extra spooky.

Things Heard and Seen Synopsis:

Catherine Clare (Academy Award®-nominee Amanda Seyfried) reluctantly trades life in 1980s Manhattan for a remote home in the tiny hamlet of Chosen, New York, after her husband George (James Norton) lands a job teaching art history at a small Hudson Valley college. Even as she does her best to transform the old dairy farm into a place where young daughter Franny will be happy, Catherine increasingly finds herself isolated and alone. She soon comes to sense a sinister darkness lurking both in the walls of the ramshackle property-and in her marriage to George.

 

I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS THINGS HEARD AND SEEN PARENTS GUIDE HELPFUL. YOU CAN STREAM THIS NETFLIX ORIGINAL MOVIE, APRIL 29, 2021.

Looking for more Netflix films to watch? Check out these posts!