News of the World
DramaWesternAdventure
13+PG-13
2020·1h 58m·Paul Greengrass·Playtone·● Script read & verified
A Civil War veteran traveling through post-war Texas finds a young girl who was raised by Kiowa after being kidnapped as a child, and undertakes...
Best watched together — Complex themes about cultural identity, historical context, and trauma benefit from family discussion
Heads Up for Parents
The film deals with heavy themes of cultural displacement and childhood trauma that may require explanation
What's In It
Violence
Very Mild▸
Language
Very Mild▸
Scary
Very Mild▸
Romance
Very Mild▸
Substances
None▸
Stimulation
Very Mild▸
Cultural & Values Guide
Values & Themes
●Traditional family values
The entire narrative centers on Captain Kidd taking responsibility for Johanna as a surrogate father figure, with their bond becoming a found family built on care, protection, and sacrifice. The film's emotional core is about creating family bonds and the duty to protect and nurture children.
Community Notes
- Native American advocacy groups have raised concerns about portrayal of Kiowa culture and the 'savage vs. civilized' narrative
Family Takeaways
What it gets right
- ✓Shows compassion for those displaced by trauma and cultural conflict
- ✓Demonstrates how duty and kindness can overcome personal reluctance to help others
Cast:Tom HanksHelena ZengelMichael Angelo CovinoRay McKinnonMare Winningham