The Croods: A New Age
The Croods: A New Age (2020) is an animated adventure comedy that continues the journey of the prehistoric Crood family. In their quest for a safer and more abundant home, they encounter the advanced Betterman family, who reside in a secluded, idyllic paradise. This clash between the two vastly different families forms the core of the narrative, highlighting themes of generational differences, acceptance of new ideas, and the enduring strength of family bonds. The film is designed for a family audience, particularly older children and adolescents, offering a blend of humor, dynamic action sequences, and heartwarming messages about unity and adaptation. It generally maintains an appropriate tone for its target demographic, though some elements may warrant parental guidance.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumWhile 'The Croods: A New Age' does not feature explicitly LGBTQ characters or themes within its main narrative, fan communities have engaged in discussions regarding perceived 'queer-baiting' and 'gay subtext' in certain character interactions. Specifically, attention has been drawn to the bonding between Eep and Dawn, and questions have been raised about the sexual orientation of the character Gran.
Fan community discussions on Reddit noted a 'burgeoning young queer romance' perceived by some viewers in the dynamic between Eep and Dawn. Additionally, when Eep and Dawn bond, Dawn states, 'I've never had a girlfriend before,' which has been interpreted by some as platonic but by others as potentially open to broader interpretations or 'queer-baiting.' Questions have also been posed in fan forums, such as 'Is Gran a lesbian?' in reference to the character. Although not in this film, the prequel series 'Dawn of the Croods' features a confirmed gay male couple, Wal and Loo, as minor characters.
Violence
MediumThe film contains frequent, cartoonish slapstick violence and peril, consistent with an animated prehistoric adventure. While most instances are comedic and exaggerated without graphic injury, some scenes feature threatening creatures and dangerous situations that could be intense for younger viewers.
Eep is shown punching her brother Thunk multiple times in a comedic context. In a recurring gag, characters like Thunk and Grug accidentally or imagine stabbing others (a chicken, Phil) in the eye with a stick, though without graphic injury. The male characters, Grug, Phil, and Guy, are captured by 'punch monkeys' who communicate by punching each other, and are later offered as a 'sacrifice' to a giant ape creature.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumRomantic themes are central, focusing on the developing relationship between teenagers Eep and Guy, which includes displays of affection like flirting, cuddling, and kissing. A few mild suggestive elements are present, often played for comedic effect, but the content remains non-explicit.
Eep and Guy frequently flirt, cuddle, and kiss throughout the movie, reflecting their developing romantic relationship. Ugga and Grug discuss the possibility of Eep and Guy eventually leaving to start their own 'pack,' implying a natural progression of their relationship. In a brief suggestive moment, Dawn's pet sloth, Sash, murmurs 'ooh la-la' to Guy's pet sloth, Belt, upon meeting. Gran, when attempting to rally the 'Thunder Sisters,' removes her animal skin to reveal bra and underwear-like undergarments.
Substance Use
MediumThe film includes a scene depicting accidental intoxication from a bee sting, causing a character to act erratically 'as if drunk' or 'high.' Additionally, there is a scene showing casual consumption of a 'cocktail' by an adult character without explicit depiction of intoxication.
Dawn is stung by a prehistoric bee, and the bee venom causes her to act erratically and wobble 'as if drunk' or 'high.' Phil Betterman is shown casually drinking a 'cocktail' in a sauna, presented as part of his 'evolved' lifestyle, although its alcoholic content is not explicitly confirmed.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe movie features numerous instances of peril and encounters with frightening prehistoric creatures, along with moments of implied sacrifice. While often presented with comedic elements, some scenes can be intense or scary for younger children, including moments of imminent danger.
A flashback depicts a young Guy watching his parents sink into a tar pit and perish, which can be a sad and potentially disturbing scene. The Croods encounter various scary-looking creatures, including wolf-spider hybrids, 'lunging beasties,' a 'gigantic King Kong-like ape,' and an army of 'punch monkeys' with glowing eyes. Characters are caught in traps, tied together, and presented as a 'sacrifice' to a large baboon monster in a dark, fire-lit cave described as 'quite scary.'
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe narrative features significant themes of generational conflict, familial tension, and acts of rebellion. Characters from both families exhibit disrespect, engage in manipulative plans, and defy rules or parental wishes, often serving as key plot drivers.
Eep and Dawn engage in an act of 'teen rebellion' by breaking rules and leaving the Betterman compound walls for a joyride, leading to chaotic consequences and defying parental authority. Grug, initially against Eep and Guy leaving, schemes with Phil Betterman to separate the couple, demonstrating manipulative behavior and disrespect for their relationship. Phil Betterman maintains a 'mancave' where he secretly retreats from his family, reflecting a desire to escape family interaction. The Bettermans initially act condescendingly towards the Croods, viewing themselves as more 'evolved,' which generates conflict and mutual disrespect.
Profanity
LowThe movie contains minimal and very mild language, consisting primarily of exclamations and some instances of name-calling. No explicit curse words or strong profanity are used throughout the film.
Characters use exclamations such as 'What the heck?' and 'Oh my gosh!' Instances of name-calling include 'twit,' 'idiot,' 'stupid,' and 'bonehead.' In one scene, Grug begins to say, 'I'm gonna chill your—' but is interrupted by his wife, Ugga.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThe film does not contain explicit depictions or discussions of witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, demons, spells, or explicit supernatural themes. The narrative is set in a fantastical prehistoric world where events are driven by natural phenomena and creature interactions.
Review sources explicitly state that there are 'No direct spiritual elements here.' The prehistoric world features exaggerated and imaginative creatures, but these are presented as natural elements of their environment rather than products of magic or occult forces.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe film does not contain explicit anti-Christian themes. While the prehistoric setting and some character designs briefly allude to evolutionary concepts, these are not explicitly discussed or promoted in an anti-religious manner. The movie promotes strong moral and redemptive messages focusing on family, love, forgiveness, and community.
Movieguide notes that while some character designs 'suggest evolution,' the theme 'isn't explicitly mentioned or discussed' within the film. The movie emphasizes 'a very strong moral worldview with redemptive elements' that extols 'families sticking together, commitment, marriage, sacrifice, love, positive father/daughter relationships, repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation, and community.' Plugged In mentions a rule within the Betterman compound about not eating bananas, which Grug breaks, drawing a parallel to the 'forbidden fruit' without explicitly being anti-Christian.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
The movie is rated PG by the MPAA for peril, action, and rude humor. It is generally recommended for children aged 7 and above, with parental guidance suggested for children aged 6-7 years due to some intense scenes and slapstick violence.
Additional Notes
The film effectively promotes positive messages regarding teamwork, the strength of female characters, embracing lifestyle diversity, and a willingness to see the world in new ways. Its overarching message reinforces the importance of family unity and adaptability in overcoming challenges.
Related Reviews
Is The Croods: A New Age right for your family?
These concerns are a starting point — what many Christian parents care about. Want to screen for other themes? Define your own concerns.
Screen any book, movie, or show — even titles no one else has reviewed.
“StoryScanner gives us clarity and confidence. It's become our go-to for checking books at the library and movies on family night.”
— Cristi & Brian, Dallas TX
“StoryScanner has been such a BLESSING for researching books for our children. You can set filters for your concerns, enter a book title, and it lets you know what's present.”
— Christian Book Reviews for Families (Facebook)
No credit card required