Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Knowing

film

Knowing

2009

A teacher opens a time capsule that has been dug up at his son's elementary school; in it are some chilling predictions -- some that have already occurred and others that are about to -- that lead him to believe his family plays a role in the events that are about to unfold.

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? PG-13 material includes plane and train disasters, deaths, a child in danger, frightening supernatural beings, mass extinction, grief, and disturbing end-of-the-world imagery. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character5/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Standard product placement for cars and realistic settings, not commercialized for children.

Death of a character5/5
Why this rating?

Death is central: disasters kill many people, Diana dies, and the solar flare destroys all life on Earth.

Graphic injury3/5
Why this rating?

Includes visible impact injuries and brief aftermath scenes of disasters that are intense but not overly exploitative.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Some mild profanity and tense name-calling occur in this PG-13 thriller, but strong language is not a major feature.

Religious themes3/5
Why this rating?

Religious imagery appears through Ezekiel’s chariot vision, angels, salvation, and a tree resembling the tree of life.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal. Protagonist is a grieving widower, and there is no active romantic subplot.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Ominous predictions, whispering voices, alien beings, children in danger, disasters, and impending extinction create sustained fear.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Adult drinking appears occasionally, including in the context of grief, but substance use is not central or glamorized.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Major disasters include a plane crash, train derailment, car crash, abductions, and Earth-destroying solar catastrophe.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters confront predicted disasters, supernatural threats, grief, and certain extinction; John ultimately makes a painful protective choice.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The premise encourages imaginative thinking about codes, time capsules, future prediction, extraterrestrial beings, and cosmic survival.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The main cast is not especially diverse, though supporting characters provide some demographic variety without prominent stereotyping.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Features light inclusion of astrophysics concepts and historical disaster dates, but strictly for narrative flavor.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Family care, sacrifice, reconciliation, and concern for children are important, despite a grim and fearful setting.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Themes include accepting mortality, protecting children, confronting grief, family reconciliation, and choosing compassion during catastrophe.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

John persistently investigates, protects children, faces grief, and reconciles with his father, though desperation drives risky choices.

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. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Knowing would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Knowing, 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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