Shadow and Bone
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Shadow and Bone
Shadow and Bone is a fantasy adventure series from Netflix, based on Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse novels. The narrative unfolds in a war-torn world, primarily in the country of Ravka, which is divided by a formidable darkness known as the Shadow Fold, teeming with monstrous creatures. The story follows Alina Starkov, a lowly mapmaker who discovers she possesses extraordinary power as the fabled Sun Summoner, believed to be the key to destroying the Fold and liberating her nation. Her journey intertwines with the cunning General Kirigan, also known as the Darkling, who wields dark magic, and a charismatic band of criminals known as the Crows.
Things to Consider
Violence
Shadow and Bone features frequent and often graphic violence throughout its seasons, including intense battles, attacks by terrifying creatures, and significant character injuries and deaths. The depiction of violence can be explicit, with mentions of blood and dismemberment.
The Shadow Fold is home to Volcra, giant man-eating creatures whose attacks are described with detail, including men being carried off to be devoured and a body briefly seen dismembered, resulting in blood spatters. Characters routinely engage in armed combat using guns and knives, leading to numerous confrontations and casualties. An example of cruelty involves the Darkling cutting Alina's arm to extract her power, and a rumor attributes to him sealing a man's mouth shut as punishment to starve him to death.
Witchcraft & Occult
Magic is a foundational element of the 'Grishaverse' and is central to the plot. The abilities of the Grisha, the creation of the Shadow Fold, and the Darkling's powers involve manipulating elements and life forces, which are inherently supernatural and can be interpreted as occult practices within the series' lore.
Scary & Intense Content
The series contains significant scary and intense content due to monstrous creatures, dark and perilous environments, and frequent life-threatening situations. The atmosphere can be suspenseful and frightening, particularly when characters navigate dangerous magical threats.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
The series is officially rated TV-14, but due to its consistent graphic violence, implied sexual content, mature themes, and depictions of dark magic, a recommendation for ages 16 and up is more appropriate. Some parental guides suggest it might even warrant a TV-MA rating. The complexity of the plot and the intensity of certain scenes could be overwhelming for younger viewers, necessitating a more mature audience.
Good to Know
While Netflix officially rates "Shadow and Bone" as TV-14 for violence, language, and gore, several parental review outlets and viewer feedback suggest the content's intensity, particularly regarding graphic violence and implied sexual content, leans closer to a TV-MA rating. This discrepancy indicates that parents should exercise caution and be aware of the mature nature of many themes and depictions. Content escalation is notable with more developed queer relationships in Season 2 and continued intense themes.
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