Warning: The following content contains material reflecting sensitive mental health and delicate family matters. Reader discretion is strongly advised.
September is National Suicide Month, and as families, we must have a strong unity regarding mental health and its conditions. The conversations will be challenging as kids will have questions we don't have answers to, even if we desperately search for them to understand better. With that said, In Limbo tells the story of two best friends or "mates," since the show is Australian, who each go through dark and dismal periods with mental health and illness. Tragically, one of the men, Nate (Bob Morley), passes away from the effects of mental illness while his friend, Charlie (Ryan Corr), tries to cope and fight with the shadowing grief.
But Nate comes back as a spirit or ghost and is beside Charlie, which adds a delightful scenario between the two men. Nate's presence where only Charlie can see him is the Catholic belief of being in limbo, where the souls haven't crossed over to the Afterlife due to some on-Earth matter that needs to be resolved. As one who was raised as a German Catholic, the formality is emphasized, and I'm all too familiar with the possible occurrence.
In Limbo isn't all sadness in its narrative; the six-episode series incorporated lots of humor to soften the darker themes of mental health. However, while the element is greatly appreciated, it didn't stop me or my female family members from bursting into tears often. And that's okay because we're reacting to a serious issue that's frequently overlooked and, unfortunately, still holds a stigma.
The series has a wonderfully talented cast who brought the story to life and delivered a realistic approach on the topics. It's not an easy craft to do, as mental health is very emotionally complex and complicated, but the show's hidden hope is to raise awareness about the implications and help those who might be suffering.
With that said, in Australia, In Limbo has a "M" rating, equivalent to the US's TV-MA rating and it's currently on Hulu, which clarifies the point of this parents guide. With the rating, there's plenty of sensitive and mature content and Australia tends to not sugarcoat anything when it comes to their productions.
Mental health is an imperative topic, and whether you watch In Limbo with your kids is entirely up to you. If you do, you must be aware of some of the show's content.
In Limbo parents guide: What you need to know about the "M" and TV-14 ratings
Nate Webb is a family man with his own landscaping business but is suffering from depression, unbeknownst to anyone. Charlie is his co-worker and best friend. When Nate commits suicide, it shakes up the Webbs, Charlie, and those who knew him. Nate is shown as a carefree type of guy, while Charlie is more reserved and stoic, so the former's death naturally leaves a lot of questions and turmoil, and his young daughter is placed amid a religious and practical debate.
Sex and nudity: Charlie has a shower, but nothing is shown from the hip down. In episode 6-the finale-Nate is nude, and you'll get a subtle peek of his lower backside, but nothing explicit or raw. In the second episode, there are drawings of the men's outer reproductive organs on a church wall. It's meant to be a choir boy's joke, but it's something to look out for.
Another is the use of sex toys and bedroom scenery, but the latter isn't provocative, and for married couples, it's natural.
Violence and gore: None. While Nate commits suicide, the act isn't shown, and his body is covered. Still, the storyline is there, and it could create a horrifying image.
Language: I'm going to guess that In Limbo has a "Mature" rating because of the high frequency of the F-bombs. According to the Catholic faith, using them in general conversation isn't a sin, but utilizing them to insult the Higher Powers, the Lord, or whoever you worship is a sin. However, young children shouldn't be exposed to it as they don't know the differences yet.
Also, moderate swearing and occasional use of the "S" word can be heard. There's lewd commentary, too, and sexual references.
Alcohol and drugs: There's beer drinking, drunkenness and its repercussions are shown. At Nate's wake, there's attendees having a drink, and more drinking happens during the show's course.
Positive messages: Following Nate's death, Charlie becomes a surrogate father to Nate's daughter, Annabel, and is a comfort to his widow, Freya.
Overall verdict: What age is In Limbo appropriate for?
I'm not going to shield In Limbo's important messaging surrounding mental health or its poignant narratives. It's meant for fifteen and up, and if you have young kids, it's best for them not to watch this dramedy as it might frighten them.
Having open conversations regarding mental health and illness will make a difference and the more we educate ourselves on this rising epidemic the more we can help and guide others.
If you or someone you know is suffering or are having suicidal ideations, please get in touch with the 24/7 National (US) Suicide Hotline at 988. You are not alone, as there's help. Outside the US, please visit Psychology Today for your country's resources.