Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Eyes Wide Shut

film

Eyes Wide Shut

1999

After Dr. Bill Harford's wife, Alice, admits to having sexual fantasies about a man she met, Bill becomes obsessed with having a sexual encounter. He discovers an underground sexual group and attends one of their meetings -- and quickly discovers that he is in over his head.

Ages 18+Source checked

Why this age? Explicit adult sexual situations and nudity, an orgy, prostitution, sexual coercion, drug-related death, marital infidelity themes, menace, and psychologically disturbing material make this unsuitable for children and younger teens. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age18+

Strongest cautions

  • Sexual content & nudity5/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Alcohol or drugs3/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Positive messages3/5
  • Courage & resilience2/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Not a product-driven work.

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

A character dies of a drug overdose, which serves as a significant plot point.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Includes a scene at a morgue showing a body, but it is handled in a clinical, dramatic context rather than for gratuitous shock.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Includes strong language, used in context of adult discussions and confrontations.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Themes are secular; references to secret rites lack specific traditional religious affiliation.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Focuses heavily on the fragility of a marriage, infidelity, jealousy, and sexual obsession.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

The film maintains a pervasive, deeply unsettling tension throughout, specifically regarding secret societies and implied danger.

Sexual content & nudity5/5
Why this rating?

Strongly sexual adult material includes an orgy, nudity, prostitution, sexual propositions, erotic dreams, voyeurism, and explicit sexual themes.

Alcohol or drugs3/5
Why this rating?

Characters use marijuana and alcohol, and a drug overdose is a central plot element.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Features implied threats and a cold, ominous atmosphere. Some physical confrontation occurs, but it is not an action film.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist shows persistence in his search for truth, though motivated by jealousy.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Its masks, rituals, dreamlike mystery, symbolism and psychological ambiguity invite substantial interpretation and imaginative reflection.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Cast is primarily reflective of the era's casting norms for such a production.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into psychological drama and thematic exploration, but is not intended as an educational piece.

Kindness & empathy1/5
Why this rating?

Kindness is present in small, fleeting moments, but the film is largely cynical in tone.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Explores the consequences of unchecked jealousy and the necessity of honest communication in a relationship.

Good role models1/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist's choices are often impulsive and morally questionable, though he is humanly flawed.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Were there any mature relationship themes worth talking through together?
  3. Which choice in Eyes Wide Shut would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Eyes Wide Shut, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to watch or buy

Buy or rent on AmazonFind on JustWatch

As an Amazon Associate, Dickens & Rumi may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating