You
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to You
Netflix's "You" is a gripping psychological thriller series centered on Joe Goldberg, a charismatic but profoundly disturbed individual who harbors a dark secret: he is a serial stalker and murderer. The narrative is primarily delivered through Joe's first-person perspective, allowing viewers unsettling insight into his delusional justifications for his heinous acts, which he perceives as expressions of love. Each season follows Joe as he targets a new woman, meticulously orchestrating his way into her life and eliminating any perceived threats or rivals with brutal efficiency.
Things to Consider
Violence
Violence is a pervasive and central theme throughout 'You,' featuring frequent depictions of graphic murder, kidnapping, physical assault, and dismemberment. The severity of violence escalates across seasons, often with visible blood and gore, and includes instances of torture and psychological terror.
Joe Goldberg's signature method of kidnapping involves imprisoning victims in a soundproof glass cage, a recurring element that underscores the psychological and physical terror he inflicts. Examples of graphic violence include Delilah Alves's brutal death in Season 2, where the camera lingers on her throat being slashed with blood pooling, and Love Quinn's subsequent murder of Delilah. Later seasons continue this trend, with a character being choked to death and then hanged to stage a suicide in Season 5, and another character planting and removing a key from their arm, resulting in significant blood.
Romance and Sexual Content
Sexual content is highly prevalent and often explicit, ranging from suggestive themes and partial nudity to graphic sex scenes and discussions of sexual fantasies. The show often intertwines sex with manipulation, obsession, and violence, portraying it within the context of Joe's predatory behavior.
Profanity
Profanity is frequent and strong, with most characters using crude and offensive language, including consistent use of the F-word and S-word. The language can be intense, especially during moments of anger, fear, or aggression, and includes derogatory terms.
Substance Use
Substance use, including alcohol and illegal drugs, is a consistent and sometimes central element of the show. Characters frequently consume alcohol to intoxication, and illicit drug use is depicted, especially escalating in later seasons.
Scary & Intense Content
The series is inherently scary and intense due to its psychological thriller genre, focusing on stalking, obsession, and murder. It features disturbing themes, highly suspenseful situations, and can be psychologically manipulative, with the protagonist often justifying his heinous acts.
Disrespect & Rebellion
Disrespect and rebellious behavior are consistently portrayed, primarily through Joe Goldberg's profound disregard for personal boundaries, privacy, and the law. His internal monologues often rationalize his extreme acts of defiance and manipulation as justifiable.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Not recommended for anyone under 18. The series is rated TV-MA, indicating it contains mature content including intense violence, graphic sexual content, strong language, and substance abuse. The psychological manipulation and glorification of a serial killer are particularly unsuitable for developing minds.
Good to Know
Parents should be aware that the show's charming protagonist, Joe Goldberg, often rationalizes his violent and obsessive behavior, which some critics argue could inadvertently romanticize or normalize problematic conduct for impressionable viewers. The narrative's focus from his perspective can create a complex moral landscape, making it difficult for younger audiences to discern right from wrong. The intensity and frequency of mature themes increase in later seasons, particularly regarding violence, sexual content, and substance abuse.
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