Wondering if ELVIS (2022) is ok for kids? Baz Luhrmann’s story of Elvis is told through the eyes of Elvis’s manager Colonel Tom Parker. A stylized biopic, Austin Butler brings a lot of energy to his portrayal of Elvis. Amongst the drugs and pelvic thrusts, here’s what parents need to know in this ELVIS Parents Guide.
Elvis (2022) Parents Guide
Baz Luhrmann writes and directs this film that explores the life and music of Elvis Presley (Austin Butler), seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks). The story delves into the complex dynamic between Presley and Parker spanning over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the most significant and influential people in Elvis’s life, Priscilla Presley (Olivia DeJonge).
Why is Elvis Rated PG-13?
Elvis is rated PG-13 for substance abuse, strong language, smoking, and suggestive material which means some content may not be suitable for kids under 13.
Parents need to know there are drugs and sexual content in Elvis (2022).
Language in Elvis
There is strong language in Elvis including words like sh*t, bi*ch, damn, one use of fu*k, and words of Deity like g-dddamn.
Mature Content
Parents should know there is a lot of drug use in Elvis. Sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Characters also smoke, drink alcohol, and gamble.
Sex is implied with passionate kissing, but no explicit nudity. There are shots of women in lingerie and you can see one woman’s behind.
Although there’s not naked sex scenes, there is a lot of sexual content with camera angles on slow-motion, pelvic thrusts when Elvis dances and shots to heavy breathing girls in the crowd.
Some mature topics include addictions, abandonment, death, the rise to fame, and love. One scene shows a riot at a concert which may be a trigger for some people.
Is Elvis Kid Friendly?
At over 2 1/2 hours long, Elvis may be too long for some kids to handle. There are also a lot of gyrations involved, so I’d keep the younger ones home.
Is Elvis Appropriate for Kids Under 13?
Austin Butler puts on an incredible show as Elvis. His personality, showmanship, and emotional arcs showcase his talent. Fans of Elvis will be entertained, but it’s also a circus show. Sometimes it was a bit too much, and I needed a break from the chaos. Elvis deals with a lot of mature topics which may too harsh for kids, but teens who are fans of Elvis will enjoy the show.
Luhrmann loves to put on a show and entertain. If you’ve seen Moulin Rouge, you know he has a semi-unconventional way of storytelling which makes Elvis interesting. Is it a bit overstuffed? Perhaps. Weird? Yes. And it works.
Although the cops thought his pelvic thrusting was too much and were too racy for the times, Elvis had more struggles, but it also seemed like this story shows him in a better light than the person he really was. However with any star thrust in the limelight, you struggle with the good and bad versions of yourself.
The musical numbers are outstanding and production value is high, you just may want to take a dramamine first. I felt a little dizzy.
