Alien: Covenant (2017) is a sci-fi horror film that continues the franchise’s legacy of intense action and suspense, raising concerns for parents due to its R rating.
Violence and Gore in Alien: Covenant (2017)
The film features graphic violence and gory scenes, including a man’s jaw blown off and an alien bursting from a character’s back with intestines visible. Rated R.
Graphic Violence
The film contains explicit scenes of graphic violence, with characters experiencing brutal deaths. A man’s jaw is blown off with a shotgun, resulting in a bloody and shocking moment. Another scene involves a couple being killed while having sex in the shower, showcasing the violent nature of the aliens. The aliens’ attacks are particularly gruesome, with one bursting out of a man’s back, accompanied by visible intestines. These intense sequences highlight the film’s R rating and emphasize the need for parental discretion due to the disturbing and violent content. The graphic violence is central to the horror elements of the movie.
Gory Scenes
Alien: Covenant features numerous gory scenes that contribute to its R rating. One of the most disturbing moments involves an alien bursting violently from a man’s back, with intestines visibly spilling out. Another graphically intense scene shows a man burning to death, leaving behind a charred and unrecognizable corpse. These sequences are prolonged, amplifying their unsettling impact. The film also includes mutilated corpses and severed body parts, further emphasizing its graphic nature. Parents should be aware that these scenes are not fleeting and are central to the horror elements, making the movie unsuitable for young or sensitive viewers. The gory content is intense and prolonged, warranting caution.
MPAA Rating and Content
Rated R for sci-fi violence, bloody images, language, and some sexuality/nudity, Alien: Covenant contains intense content that may not be suitable for younger audiences.
Rated R: Reasons and Implications
The film’s R rating stems from its graphic violence, including scenes where characters are attacked by aliens, resulting in bloody injuries and fatalities. Intense sequences, such as a man’s jaw being blown off with a shotgun, contribute to the rating. Additionally, there are instances of strong language and brief nudity, including a shower scene where a couple is killed. These elements make the movie unsuitable for younger viewers, emphasizing the need for parental discretion. The R rating reflects the film’s mature themes and content, ensuring that only appropriate audiences engage with the material. Parents should be cautious about allowing underage viewers to watch.
Sexuality and Nudity
The film contains brief but explicit sexual content, including a scene where a couple engages in intimacy in a shower. This moment is interrupted by a violent alien attack, blending nudity with horror. While the sexuality is not prolonged, it is evident enough to warrant parental attention. Additionally, there are subtle references to politically correct homosexual content, though these are not central to the plot. The nudity and sexual themes, combined with the film’s violent nature, highlight the need for parental discretion when deciding if the movie is appropriate for their children. These elements contribute to the film’s mature rating and content warnings.
Language and Profanity
The film features a significant amount of strong language and profanity, which contributes to its R rating. Characters frequently use foul language, especially in moments of stress or fear. While the dialogue adds to the tense atmosphere, it may be inappropriate for younger audiences. Parents should be aware that the language is not minimal and is scattered throughout the movie. This aspect, combined with the violence and gore, makes the film unsuitable for children. The profanity is consistent with the intense and mature themes present in the story, further emphasizing the need for parental discretion.
Fear and Intensity Factors
The film’s intense scenes, including sudden alien attacks and graphic gore, create a highly unsettling atmosphere, making it unsuitable for younger or sensitive viewers.
Scary and Intense Scenes
The film is packed with terrifying moments, including sudden alien attacks, graphic gore, and intense sequences. A man is graphically killed with a shotgun, losing his jaw, and another dies when an alien bursts from his back, spilling intestines. These scenes are visually disturbing and may leave viewers, especially younger ones, deeply unsettled. The suspenseful atmosphere and violent confrontations amplify the fear factor, making the movie highly intense. Parents should be cautious, as these elements are not suitable for sensitive or younger audiences. The combination of horror and violence creates a unsettling cinematic experience.
Alien Attacks and Gore
The film features relentless alien attacks and graphic gore, with scenes that are both violent and unsettling. One particularly intense moment involves an alien bursting from a character’s back, resulting in a gruesome display of intestines and blood. Another scene shows a man being decapitated, and there are instances of charred bodies and burned flesh. These sequences are deeply disturbing and not appropriate for younger viewers. The visual intensity of these scenes contributes significantly to the film’s R rating and parental advisory warnings. Parents should exercise extreme caution due to the explicit nature of the violence and gore depicted.
Themes and Elements
The film explores complex scientific concepts like space travel and alien life, while also delving into moral dilemmas about humanity’s survival and technological risks.
Scientific Concepts
The movie delves into intricate scientific ideas, including interstellar travel and the origins of alien lifeforms. It portrays astronauts encountering unknown biological threats, blending horror with futuristic technology. While the sci-fi elements captivate, they also introduce complex themes suitable for mature audiences. Parents should be aware that these concepts, though fascinating, are intertwined with graphic content, making the film inappropriate for younger viewers. The blend of science and horror highlights the dangers of uncontrolled exploration and the unpredictable nature of extraterrestrial life. These themes are central to the film’s narrative and contribute to its intense atmosphere.
Moral and Ethical Discussions
The film sparks debates about humanity’s responsibilities in space exploration, questioning the ethics of creating and controlling life forms. It challenges viewers to consider the consequences of scientific hubris and the dangers of unchecked technological advancement. These themes encourage critical thinking about human ambition versus moral accountability, making it a thought-provoking yet mature experience for older audiences.
Parents’ Guide and Recommendations
Parents should be cautious due to extreme violence, gore, and mature themes, making it unsuitable for young children and requiring careful discretion for older teens.
The film’s intense violence, gore, and mature themes make it inappropriate for young audiences. While some suggest 15 and above, others argue for 17 due to extreme content. Alien: Covenant is a gripping yet violent film, earning its R rating through graphic content. Parents should exercise caution, as the film’s intense scenes and mature themes are unsuitable for younger viewers. While some may argue for a lower age limit, the overall content strongly suggests it is best suited for mature audiences. Discretion is advised to ensure a safe viewing experience for all.Suggested Age Group