Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The Vigil

film

The Vigil

2021

A man providing overnight watch to a deceased member of his former Orthodox Jewish community finds himself opposite a malevolent entity.

Ages 16+Source checked

Why this age? Intense supernatural horror includes frightening imagery, violence, disturbing references to abuse and suicide, and mature grief and trauma themes. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age16+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes5/5
  • Religious themes5/5
  • Death of a character4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Diverse representation3/5

Keep going

What should you do next?

One review should lead naturally to the next useful choice.

Keep browsingSearch for another movieUse age, interests, vibe, or content preferences.Search →

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Death and suicide are important to the story, with disturbing imagery and emotionally heavy discussion of loss.

Graphic injury3/5
Why this rating?

Includes some disturbing imagery, supernatural wounds, and unsettling makeup effects.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild to moderate profanity throughout.

Religious themes5/5
Why this rating?

Jewish faith, rituals, community practices, demons, and spiritual questions are central to the plot.

Frightening scenes5/5
Why this rating?

Sustained supernatural terror features a malevolent entity, jump scares, dark confined spaces, and intense peril.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

No sexual content present.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Some references to past substance use as a coping mechanism.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Violence includes attacks, struggle, injury, and threatening supernatural encounters; some scenes are intense and realistic.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist faces supernatural danger and painful personal history rather than surrendering to fear.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Uses inventive supernatural mythology, ritual, sound, and confined-space filmmaking to build tension.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Features an underrepresented community with cultural and linguistic depth.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Provides insight into specific Jewish mourning rituals like the 'shomer'.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Compassion and care appear, especially in responses to vulnerable people, but the story is dominated by fear and conflict.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes confronting trauma, accepting responsibility, seeking help, and resisting abuse and despair.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist is flawed and traumatized but shows increasing responsibility, compassion, and courage.

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 Vigil would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Vigil, 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.

Something wrong with this guide? Report age, caution, series, cover, or title issues.