The Giver
DramaScience Fiction
12+PG-13
2014·1h 37m·Phillip Noyce·The Weinstein Company·● Script read & verified
Based on Lois Lowry's novel, this is a dystopian drama about Jonas, a teenager in a seemingly perfect society who is chosen to receive memories...
Best watched together — Complex philosophical themes about society, freedom, and human nature benefit from discussion
Heads Up for Parents
The concept of mandatory daily injections and 'release to Elsewhere' may raise questions about death and population control
What's In It
Violence
Very Mild▸
Language
None▸
Scary
Very Mild▸
Romance
Very Mild▸
Substances
Very Mild▸
Stimulation
Very Mild▸
Cultural & Values Guide
Values & Themes
●Traditional family values
The film's core message centers on the importance of genuine family bonds, love, and sacrifice - Jonas's quest to restore these authentic connections to his community drives the entire narrative. The contrast between the sterile, emotionless family units and real family love is the heart of the story's moral vision.
Community Notes
- Some religious communities may object to the portrayal of a society that has eliminated spiritual elements
Family Takeaways
What it gets right
- ✓Explores the value of individual differences and emotions in human experience
- ✓Shows how questioning authority and thinking independently are important life skills
Cast:Jeff BridgesMeryl StreepBrenton ThwaitesAlexander SkarsgårdKatie Holmes