Hijack
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Hijack
Hijack (2023) is an Apple TV+ thriller series that unfolds in real-time, primarily aboard a hijacked flight from Dubai to London. The narrative follows corporate negotiator Sam Nelson, played by Idris Elba, as he attempts to use his professional skills to de-escalate the perilous situation and ensure the safety of the passengers. The series also tracks the efforts of authorities on the ground as they scramble to understand the hijackers' motives and coordinate a response. It is a high-stakes, claustrophobic drama that emphasizes suspense and psychological tension over explicit gore.
Things to Consider
Violence
The series features strong, intense violence, focusing on threatening situations and psychological tension rather than explicit gore. Characters are frequently placed in peril, with physical altercations occurring in bursts, though severe injury details are often implied or shown without excessive blood.
Men, women, and children are threatened with guns throughout the flight, creating a constant sense of danger. In one episode, a physical fight ensues where a man chokes and punches a woman, later hitting her head with a metal water bottle, resulting in her face being covered in blood.
Profanity
The series contains harsh and frequent profanity, including regular use of strong expletives. Multiple sources highlight the consistent presence of offensive language across episodes, advising caution for audiences sensitive to such content.
Scary & Intense Content
The series is characterized by high levels of suspense and psychological tension, stemming from the life-threatening situation of a hijacked flight. It creates a claustrophobic and anxiety-ridden atmosphere, with characters in constant peril and themes of terrorism and imminent danger. The show intentionally avoids excessive gore but maintains high intensity.
Disrespect & Rebellion
Disrespect and rebellion are inherent to the show's premise, with hijackers seizing control of a flight, defying all forms of authority. Passengers, including the protagonist Sam, also engage in rebellious acts by attempting to thwart the hijackers or communicate with outside authorities against their demands.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Hijack is rated TV-MA in the USA and is recommended for ages 17+ due to its mature themes, sustained psychological tension, and depictions of violence and strong language. The show's premise, revolving around terrorism and life-or-death decisions, can be heavy and unsettling for younger viewers, focusing on prolonged fear, moral ambiguity, and high-stress scenarios.
Good to Know
The series focuses heavily on real-time tension and the psychological toll of a hijacking, which may be emotionally intense for some viewers. While graphic violence and sexual content are generally restrained for a TV-MA rating, the sustained threat and high-stakes nature are significant. Season 2 introduces a new hijacking scenario on a train, with protagonist Sam seemingly involved in the hijacking, adding a layer of moral ambiguity and complexity to his character's actions.
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