The 5th Wave
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to The 5th Wave
The 5th Wave is a young adult science fiction action film that immerses audiences in a post-apocalyptic world following a devastating alien invasion. The narrative centers on teenager Cassie Sullivan as she navigates a world ravaged by four deadly "waves" of alien attacks, which have crippled Earth's infrastructure and decimated humanity. Her desperate quest to rescue her younger brother, Sam, from a mysterious military program forms the central emotional arc of the story. The film combines elements of survival, action, and romance, appealing to a teenage and young adult audience familiar with dystopian themes. It explores concepts of trust, betrayal, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds. Parents should be aware of the intense and sometimes disturbing content, including frequent violence and themes of child endangerment, which contribute to its PG-13 rating. Despite its intense subject matter, The 5th Wave aims to deliver a thrilling and emotionally engaging experience while also conveying a hopeful message about fighting for loved ones and resisting tyranny. While some critics have noted its reliance on established young adult dystopian tropes, the film ultimately focuses on human perseverance amidst catastrophic events.
Things to Consider
Violence
The movie contains strong, intense, and frequent violence, depicting a world decimated by alien invasion. This includes mass destruction, graphic deaths, and the militarization of children.
Cassie shoots and kills a man in a convenience store, believing he is an "Other" reaching for a gun, only to find he was holding a cross. The army massacres adults in a refugee village, and Cassie later finds her dead father among the bodies. Children, including Cassie's younger brother Sam, are rounded up and trained as soldiers, participating in combat scenarios and being sent on missions to kill humans believed to be infected. A character is choked with a cord, described as feeling brutal due to its physicality.
Scary & Intense Content
The movie is a dystopian sci-fi thriller featuring a world devastated by an alien invasion, leading to frightening and intense scenes of mass destruction, loss, child endangerment, and constant threat.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
The 5th Wave is officially rated PG-13, and a recommendation of 14+ is appropriate. This age guidance is given due to the film's intense and frequent violence, including mass casualties, child soldiers, and graphic death depictions. There is also moderate profanity and implied romantic/sexual content. While the film focuses on themes of courage and family, the scary and disturbing elements, particularly the alien threat and human deception, may be too overwhelming for younger viewers.
Good to Know
The film is an adaptation of the first book in Rick Yancey's trilogy. While it provides resolution to some plot elements, it leaves numerous threads dangling, anticipating potential sequels which, as of current information, have not materialized. Critical reception for the film was generally negative, with many reviewers noting its derivative nature compared to other young adult dystopian films. The runtime of the movie is 112 minutes.
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