Wondering if Below Zero (2021) on Netflix is ok for kids? Below Zero is rated R for language, violence, nudity, and gore. So in other words, no, Below Zero is not kid friendly. Is it ok for teens? This action thriller is full of twists and has a Con Air vibe, but is very graphic. Here’s what parents need to know in this Below Zero Parents Guide.
Below Zero Parents Guide
Martín, a rule-following police officer has just been reassigned, and his first order is a prison transfer. However, when the van is attacked, Martín must fight those inside and outside while dealing with the icy temperatures outside. Who is attacking them and why?
Below Zero is a Spanish film with subtitles (I don’t like dubbed versions, so I’d rather read), and it is tense from the get-go. Parents need to know that Below Zero has some non-sexual nudity and is full of profanity and violence.
Language
Language is heavy from the beginning with over 50+ uses of profanity like fu–, motherf–er, sh–, son of a bi–h, hell, bastard, balls, piss, douchebag, etc. I speak Spanish and some of the translations were off, but those are the words you read for the subtitles.
Mature Content
The opening scene is a man killing another man by burying him alive.
There is some non-sexual full frontal nudity of male prisoners as they are being strip searched before being transferred.
Violence is heavy with blood, gore, shootings, and beatings.
A description of a sexual assault and murder of a woman is a hard scene to listen to.
Is Below Zero (2021) Appropriate for Kids Under 16?
Netflix is really stepping up with foreign language films and series like Lupin. Below Zero’s story does have some plot holes, but the suspense and characters made me want to keep watching. Because of the dark tone and gore, I wouldn’t recommend Below Zero for kids under 16 years old.
The middle is really the meat of Below Zero as the transfer vehicle is attacked and it is prisoners versus cop versus killer. The chaos and confusion mixed in with the eerie fog and frozen temperatures on a deserted road make for a well-shot and set up film. I kept reminding myself to breathe but was so nervous for what was about to happen.
As more is revealed throughout the movie, each possibility gets narrowed down of who and why there is a murder at the beginning. Below Zero does a great job of keeping you on the edge of your seat even if sometimes the ride is bumpy.
