Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The Clovehitch Killer

film

The Clovehitch Killer

2018

A picture-perfect family is torn apart after Tyler finds a cache of disturbing images in his father's possession. He begins to suspect that the man he trusts most in the world may be responsible for the murder of 13 women ten years prior.

Ages 17+Source checked

Why this age? Strong serial-killer themes include photographs of beaten and bound women, stalking, home invasion, strangulation, captivity, weapons, a threatened shooting, disturbing family betrayal, and a staged death. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age17+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes5/5
  • Death of a character4/5
  • Violence4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Positive messages3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity2/5

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What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Multiple women are victims of a serial killer, including Kassi’s mother. Their deaths are central but mostly offscreen or shown in disturbing photos; the father’s apparent death is staged.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on the threat and aftermath rather than explicit blood, though photos depict beaten/bound victims.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Includes moderate profanity consistent with a suspense drama.

Religious themes3/5
Why this rating?

A Christian family, church community, church attendance, and a church eulogy are recurring elements, though the plot is primarily crime-focused.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

There is limited teen romantic context, including Tyler visiting a girl and a false claim about an affair; romance is not central.

Frightening scenes5/5
Why this rating?

Serial-killer suspense, stalking, home invasion, captivity, threatening photographs, and a teenager confronting his potentially murderous father are highly frightening.

Sexual content & nudity3/5
Why this rating?

Bondage photographs, BDSM magazines and dungeon plans are central disturbing evidence; sexual activity is not described as occurring on screen.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional/incidental use implied within the realistic setting.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

A woman is bound and strangled, a character is knocked unconscious, a confrontation involves a rifle and pistol, and a death is staged.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Tyler and Kassi investigate a dangerous adult, confront him during an attack, and attempt to protect a victim despite severe personal risk.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Investigation, linking evidence, surveillance, and improvised problem-solving drive the plot, though the tone is disturbing rather than playful or exploratory.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Standard small-town casting; not notably diverse.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into the psychology of serial crime and small-town dynamics.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Tyler and Kassi try to help a captive woman and uncover the truth, but fear, ostracism, manipulation, and betrayal dominate.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The film explores secrecy, abuse of trust, family loyalty, accountability, moral compromise, and the danger of protecting wrongdoing.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Tyler investigates danger and tries to protect a victim, but he also stops an emergency call and helps stage his father's death.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in The Clovehitch Killer would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Clovehitch Killer, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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