Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The Car

film

The Car

1977

The Utah community of Santa Ynez is being terrorized by a mysterious black coupe that appears out of nowhere and begins running people down. After the car kills off the town sheriff, Captain Wade Parent is determined to stop the murderous driver.

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The film contains intense suspense, scenes of vehicular assault, and a constant, menacing tone associated with 1970s horror films. It lacks explicit gore or pervasive bad language, but the psychological intensity is high. 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 character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity2/5
  • Good role models2/5

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What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Multiple people are killed, including the town sheriff; death is a major story element rather than a brief event.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

The film features people being run down by a car, but available evidence indicates limited graphic injury detail rather than sustained gore.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Some mild profanity or rough language may occur, but the PG rating and available assessment do not suggest frequent or strong language.

Religious themes2/5
Why this rating?

The car is explicitly framed as possibly demonic or the devil, making supernatural religious imagery a recurring thematic element, though not organized worship.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Romantic elements appear incidental to the supernatural-horror story and are not central to the plot.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

A mysterious, apparently supernatural car stalks frightened residents, creating sustained threat, pursuit, and suspense.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Adult social drinking may appear, but there is no indication that substance use is prominent or glamorized.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

The car repeatedly runs people down and terrorizes the town; violence is central to the plot and includes fatal attacks.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

The captain’s determination to confront a murderous, possibly demonic force is a central example of courage under extreme threat.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

The supernatural killer-car premise and mystery invite imaginative thinking, though inventive problem-solving is not the main educational purpose.

Kindness & empathy1/5
Why this rating?

Community members cooperate to survive the threat.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

The story emphasizes protecting a community, confronting danger, and resisting a destructive supernatural threat.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Captain Wade Parent is presented as determined to protect the town and stop the killings, though the film centers on danger rather than moral instruction.

Family discussion

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