If you’re looking for a buddy comedy set in the American South, you call up the Coen brothers, or at least try and get one of them. In Ethan Coen's latest film Drive Away Dolls, which released in theaters on Feb. 23, actresses Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan (The Beanie Bubble) lead the film as two lesbian friends, Jamie and Marian, respectively, who go on a road trip and find themselves on the run from with a briefcase that is being pursued by mobsters.
The cast also includes Beanie Feldstein (Booksmart), Colman Domingo (Rustin), Pedro Pascal, Bill Camp, and Matt Damon. The film is written by Coen and Tricia Cooke and produced by Working Title Films and being distributed by Focus Features. The film's director, Coen is known for films like Raising Arizona, O Brother, Where Art Thou, and most famously, No Country for Old Men.
Now that you know a bit more about the film, there are a couple of things that need to be discussed if you are a parent or guardian who plans on heading into theaters to see this movie with kids. If you want to know more about why Drive-Away Dolls has an 'R' rating, you're going to have to read the article to find out.
Drive -Away Dolls Parents Guide: Explaining The R Rating
Sex & Nudity: This film is a highly suggestive film with sexuality and obscenity prevelant throughout the film's story line. Make-out parties are in the film and a woman is seen completely naked at home. Sexual language and innuendo.
Violence/Scariness: Graphic violence is used extensively in this film yet is dealt with in a very comical way. During your viewing, you will see shootings, people being beaten with wea, held captive, gagged, and being . There is also a 'peeping tom' moment in the film.
Language: Expect to hear some pretty obscene language in this film, while some of the language in the film is not used harmfully and is instead used as descriptors or identifiers, you will hear everything from mention of body parts, derogatory name-calling against the LGBTQ+ community, and exclaiming during sexually-explicit scenes.
Drinking & Drugs: Marijuana and recreational drinking is referenced in this film so when viewing, you'll see characters drinking alcohol such as cocktails, hard liquor, etc as well as some references to drinking games such as a "body shots" competition.
Overall Verdict: What Age Is Drive-Away Dolls Appropriate For?
Ultimately, it's up to you as the parent or guardian to make the call when it comes to showing your kids certain films. Drive-Away Dolls is definitely meant for 17-year olds and above. Most of the scenes in the film are not safe for young kids to see. For anyone who is familiar with Coen's aforementioned work, you know that the films he makes are primarily enjoyed by older audiences. While Drive-Away Dolls is geared towards that older crowd, the film deals with themes, albeit, in an adult manner of self-discovery and maintaining friendships through rough circumstances as well as how to think critically and creatively to solve problems no matter how big or small.
Do you plan on seeing Drive-Away Dolls in theaters? Keep up to date with The Parent Watch for more news, coverage, and opinions in the family entertainment space.