Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Down a Dark Hall

film

Down a Dark Hall

2018

Kit, a troubled girl, is sent to the exclusive Blackwood boarding school, where she discovers that only four other female students have been admitted to learn the four pillars of knowledge under the ominous wing of the mysterious headmistress Madame Duret.

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? PG-13 supernatural horror includes threatening atmosphere, possession, danger to teenagers, frightening imagery, and mature psychological themes; sexual content appears limited. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Death of a character3/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity2/5
  • Diverse representation2/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Includes plot points involving deceased individuals and their influence.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Supernatural horror includes some blood and disturbing injuries, but gore is not the film’s main focus or presented in extreme detail.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Some profanity and strong language may occur, consistent with the film’s PG-13 rating, but it is not a defining feature.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Romantic interest is minor and not central to the story; any affectionate or relationship content is limited.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Horror is central: a haunted house, possession, ominous adults, locked rooms, isolation, and sustained supernatural suspense.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

No significant sexual content or nudity.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Any alcohol or other substance references appear incidental rather than central, frequent, or glamorized.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Some supernatural physical confrontations and intense situations occur.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist shows significant courage in facing a supernatural threat.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Concepts involving music, art, and literature are central to the plot.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Diverse cast of students portrayed in central roles.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental focus on literature, art, and music.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Friendships develop between students under pressure.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

The film explores themes of personal agency versus external control.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Protagonist displays resilience, though adults are largely antagonistic.

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 Down a Dark Hall would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Down a Dark Hall, 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