The Giver
The Giver is a 2014 dystopian drama that transports audiences to a seemingly perfect, colorless community where individuality, emotion, and memory have been eradicated in the name of "Sameness." The narrative follows Jonas, a sixteen-year-old chosen as the next Receiver of Memory, who begins to learn the true, complex history of humanity—encompassing joy, pain, love, and war—from his mentor, The Giver. This newfound knowledge shatters Jonas's perception of his sterile world, compelling him to challenge the very foundations of his society.
Concerns
Disrespect & Rebellion
HighDisrespect and rebellion are core thematic elements of the film. Jonas's journey is defined by his increasing defiance against the Elders and the established rules of the community. His actions, supported by The Giver, are a direct challenge to the authority and societal structure.
Jonas explicitly defies the Chief Elder's authority by intentionally ceasing his daily injections, which is a foundational rule designed to prevent emotional and individual thought. The climax of the film involves Jonas actively rebelling against the entire community's system by escaping with baby Gabriel to return memories to the populace, leading to a direct confrontation and pursuit by the authorities. He also physically confronts Asher during his escape attempt.
Violence
MediumThe movie contains significant thematic violence through the concept of 'Release,' a euphemism for euthanasia, which is explicitly shown. Additionally, Jonas receives vivid memories of historical warfare and suffering, and the climax includes a high-stakes chase with drone-related peril. While not overly graphic with blood, the nature of the violence and its implications are intense.
Jonas watches a video of his father 'releasing' a newchild (baby) via lethal injection, performed with a gentle demeanor, which highlights the chilling nature of the community's practices. Jonas is transmitted memories of human history that include rapid, intense montages of war, showing explosions and soldiers in combat, which can be unsettling. The film's climax features Asher, as a drone pilot, pursuing Jonas and Gabriel, attempting to 'lose' (murder) them, culminating in a dangerous drone capture and release into a river.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe film introduces a more pronounced romantic storyline between Jonas and Fiona, which was only a subtle crush in the source novel. This includes expressions of affection, longing, and a kiss. The societal suppression of 'Stirrings' (sexual urges) through daily injections is also a key plot element.
Jonas and Fiona share a private kiss as Jonas begins to experience genuine emotions after stopping his prescribed daily injections. The concept of 'Stirrings,' which represent burgeoning sexual and emotional desires, is a significant plot point, with all community members receiving medication to suppress them. Jonas's choice to cease taking his injections directly leads to his ability to feel romantic attraction.
Substance Use
MediumSubstance use is central to the community's control, as all citizens receive daily injections to suppress emotions and 'Stirrings' (sexual desire). Jonas's rebellion begins when he deliberately stops taking these prescribed medications. This represents mandated, mood-altering substance administration, though not recreational drug abuse.
Jonas, along with other community members, is given daily injections (described as neuroleptic-like medications) to keep him compliant and emotionless. A key act of Jonas's rebellion is his decision to deliberately cease taking his daily injections, allowing him to experience the full spectrum of emotions.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe film features emotionally intense and frightening themes. This includes the disturbing reality of euthanasia (referred to as 'Release'), vivid depictions of historical suffering through transmitted memories (war, hunger, death), and a high-stakes chase sequence. The suppression of individuality and emotion in the community also creates an eerie, unsettling atmosphere.
The scene where Jonas witnesses his father 'releasing' a newchild through lethal injection is emotionally distressing due to its implications and the father's detached manner. Jonas experiences intense memories of human suffering, including graphic but brief montages of war, famine, and natural disasters, which can be frightening for viewers. The final escape sequence, where Jonas and Gabriel are pursued by drones controlled by Asher under the Chief Elder's orders, creates significant suspense and peril.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumWhile not directly attacking Christianity, the film presents a dystopian society that has actively removed faith, individual choice, and a full range of human emotions. The community's values, such as mandatory euthanasia and the suppression of personal liberty, stand in stark opposition to core Christian tenets like the sanctity of life, free will, and spiritual experience. The film implicitly critiques a world devoid of such values.
The community's foundational principle of "Sameness" eradicates individual choice, deep emotion, and all memories, including those of historical human spirituality or faith (montages show images like praying Muslims being returned to Jonas). This directly contrasts with Christian emphasis on free will, a relationship with God, and a rich emotional and spiritual life. The practice of "Release," which is state-sanctioned euthanasia of infants and the elderly, directly contradicts the Christian teaching on the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
LowThe film does not explicitly feature LGBTQ+ characters or themes within its narrative. Discussions found in external sources, such as fan communities and LGBTQ+ review sites, primarily involve critiques of the film's heteronormative romantic additions and its general lack of diverse representation, rather than identifying overt LGBTQ+ content in the plot or characters.
No explicit LGBTQ+ characters or relationships are depicted in "The Giver" movie. Mentions in online discussions are speculative or critical observations on the film's choices rather than actual content. For instance, an Autostraddle article critiques the amplified Jonas-Fiona romance and a Reddit comment humorously compares the character Asher to a gay character from another series, but these are not internal plot points.
Profanity
LowThe film is noted for its lack of explicit profanity. Reviews from family-focused media outlets specifically highlight the absence of foul language, aiming for a wholesome experience for its target audience.
According to Plugged In, a family-focused review site, "There's no foul language in it." No instances of strong curse words or offensive language were identified in the available content reviews or summaries of the film.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThe narrative of "The Giver" is grounded in a science-fiction dystopian setting where societal control is maintained through technological and ideological means. There are no elements of witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, or supernatural beings depicted in the film.
The film's plot centers on a community that has engineered "Sameness" by removing emotions and memories, which is achieved through scientific methods and social conditioning, not mystical or occult practices. No characters are shown practicing magic, spells, or engaging with demons or spirits.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
The Giver is recommended for ages 12 and older. The film's PG-13 rating and its themes of euthanasia, war, emotional suppression, and rebellion require a level of maturity to process. The movie offers valuable discussion points about free will and societal values, but the intense and disturbing content, particularly concerning the casual depiction of life and death, makes it less suitable for younger children.
Additional Notes
The film significantly alters elements from Lois Lowry's novel, most notably aging Jonas to 16/18 and introducing a more prominent romantic subplot with Fiona, as well as an action-movie style climax. Parents familiar with the book should be aware of these changes, which may impact the film's suitability for children who have only read the original text. The film's themes are complex and can spark important discussions about freedom, choice, and the human experience.
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