Tick, Tick... Boom!
Tick, Tick... Boom! is a 2021 American biographical musical film directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, based on the semi-autobiographical stage musical by Jonathan Larson, the creator of 'Rent'. The story follows Jonathan Larson, an aspiring theater composer in 1990 New York City, as he approaches his 30th birthday, grappling with career anxieties, the pressures of artistic creation, and his relationships with his girlfriend Susan and best friend Michael. The film delves into themes of ambition, friendship, love, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of a dream, set against the backdrop of the emerging AIDS crisis affecting the artistic community. The movie captures Larson's internal struggle to create a groundbreaking musical before he runs out of time, exploring the anxieties and joys of the creative process. It is a heartfelt tribute to Larson's legacy, showcasing his talent and the personal challenges he faced. The narrative is interspersed with musical numbers, blending elements of stage performance with cinematic storytelling. The film is rated PG-13, indicating it contains some material that parents may find unsuitable for pre-teenagers, including thematic elements and language. "Tick, Tick... Boom!" is generally targeted at teenagers and adults due to its mature themes and content. It offers a poignant look at a specific period in New York's artistic history and the personal toll of pursuing one's passion. Christian parents should be aware of the film's depiction of LGBTQ+ themes, substance use, and strong language, which are integral to the story's setting and character development. The film does not have any sequels, seasons, or direct adaptations beyond its original stage musical format.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
HighThe film prominently features LGBTQ+ themes, primarily through Jonathan's best friend, Michael, who is openly gay and reveals he is HIV-positive during the 1990s AIDS crisis. The narrative explores the discrimination faced by gay individuals and the emotional toll of the epidemic on the community, making these themes central to a significant subplot. The film also features a transgender actress, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, in a supporting role as Carolyn.
Michael accuses Jonathan of 'wasting the privilege to have a life with the person he loves—something Michael cannot do as a gay man in the AIDS crisis.' The film includes a news report where a congressman blames homosexuality for the AIDS crisis and Michael describes experiencing discrimination as a gay man.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe film includes romantic interactions between Jonathan and his girlfriend, Susan, featuring passionate kissing and implied sexual activity that stops before becoming explicit. There are also moderate sexual references and suggestive material, including posters.
Jonathan and Susan are shown kissing passionately and lying in bed together, beginning to undress but then stopping. The film contains moderate sex references, including a lyric from one of Jonathan's songs stating, 'It's too late to screw,' and background posters for 'live sex and nudist shows.'
Profanity
MediumThe film contains moderate to strong language, with multiple instances of explicit curse words and milder terms. The profanity is present in dialogue and song lyrics throughout the movie.
The word 'f**k' is used in song lyrics. Other profanity includes 'pussy,' 'shit,' 'ass,' 'pissed,' 'freakin',' 'damn,' 'God,' and 'Jesus.'
Substance Use
MediumThe film depicts adult characters engaging in social drinking, with mentions of drunkenness. There are also references to smoking and marijuana use, including a scene where a character is shown smoking a marijuana joint.
Jonathan throws a party where guests are shown consuming alcohol, and Movieguide notes 'drinking and drunkenness.' A character is explicitly shown smoking a marijuana joint.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumWhile not a horror film, 'Tick, Tick... Boom!' contains emotionally intense scenes related to the protagonist's struggles, relationship conflicts, and the severe impact of the AIDS crisis. Scenes depicting friends ill in the hospital and discussions of mortality can be upsetting and create significant dramatic tension.
Scenes show characters visiting friends in the hospital who are suffering from AIDS, conveying emotional upset and the gravity of the illness. Michael's revelation of his HIV-positive status is an emotionally charged moment that introduces a theme of impending hardship and mortality.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe protagonist, Jonathan, exhibits a rebellious spirit by prioritizing his artistic ambitions over conventional expectations for financial stability and traditional relationships. He displays frustration with societal norms and expectations from his girlfriend and best friend.
Jonathan's intense focus on his musical leads to him neglecting his relationship with Susan, ultimately contributing to their breakup due to his 'indecisiveness and obsession with his career.' Jonathan deliberately sabotages a focus group at Michael's advertising company, expressing his disdain for corporate work and his commitment to art.
Violence
LowThe film contains no explicit physical violence, gore, or battle scenes. The primary 'violent' content is emotional, stemming from the devastating impact of the AIDS crisis. Characters are shown suffering from the illness in a hospital, which can be emotionally upsetting due to the themes of illness and death.
Jonathan's friend Freddy is hospitalized due to HIV, and scenes depict him as ill, reflecting the severe consequences of the AIDS epidemic. Michael reveals to Jonathan that he is HIV-positive, which is a moment of significant emotional distress and carries implications of future suffering.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere is no content related to witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, demons, spells, or any supernatural elements present in 'Tick, Tick... Boom!' The film is grounded in a realistic portrayal of an artist's life in New York City.
No specific examples of witchcraft or occult content were found in the film.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe film does not contain explicit anti-Christian themes, mockery, or criticism of Christian beliefs or figures. It portrays a secular environment focused on the arts community in New York City, and any critical views expressed are generally societal or personal rather than religiously targeted.
While not anti-Christian, a scene features Jonathan associating 'America' with 'Empire, racism, genocide and Vietnam,' indicating a critical social commentary rather than religious critique. The film's setting and characters operate primarily within a secular artistic community, and religious themes, Christian or otherwise, are not central or antagonistic.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
15+ (Due to mature themes including strong language, substance use, moderate sexual references, and the prominent discussion of the AIDS crisis and LGBTQ+ discrimination, which may require parental guidance and discussion for younger viewers.)
Additional Notes
The film is a biographical musical that may resonate deeply with those interested in theater and the creative process, particularly given its connection to Jonathan Larson's later work 'Rent.' Parents should be prepared to discuss the mature themes, especially those related to LGBTQ+ issues and the AIDS crisis, as they are integral to the historical context and character development. The emotional intensity around these topics, combined with strong language and substance use, makes it more suitable for older teenagers and adults. The film's runtime is approximately 121 minutes.
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