Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Crooked House

film

Crooked House

2017

A private investigator helps a former flame solve the murder of her wealthy grandfather, who lived in a sprawling estate surrounded by his idiosyncratic family.

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Frequent murder investigation, poisoning, attempted harm to a child, manipulation, infidelity, and a bleak ending involving the deaths of a child and an elderly woman may be disturbing for younger viewers. 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
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience2/5
  • Creativity & curiosity2/5
  • Positive messages2/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character5/5
Why this rating?

The entire plot revolves around the murder of the grandfather, the accidental/intentional death of a nanny, and the final murder-suicide of an elder and a child.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Poisoning deaths are implied or shown through aftermath rather than graphic detail.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

The film includes hostile family confrontations and reportedly mild profanity, but no strong language or slurs are indicated.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

A former romance and several adult affairs affect the investigation, but romance is secondary to the mystery.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

A bleak murder mystery includes poisoning, a child targeted and endangered, a dangerous chase, and a fatal quarry climax. Tension is sustained rather than merely atmospheric.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Involves discussion of extramarital affairs and implied sexual relationships between characters.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Period-appropriate social drinking and cigarette smoking occur.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Threats, a sabotaged tree-house fall, a car chase, and a fatal quarry crash occur; violence is mainly plot-driven rather than prolonged.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

Charles persists despite danger and pressure, while Edith makes a tragic protective sacrifice; some risky choices are not admirable.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Engages the viewer in deductive reasoning and puzzle-solving typical of classic whodunits.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Reflects the mid-1950s British setting; limited diversity in the primary cast.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental exposure to literary style and mystery genre tropes.

Kindness & empathy1/5
Why this rating?

Kindness is rare in this cynical household; characters are mostly motivated by self-interest.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

The story explores consequences of manipulation, greed, resentment, secrecy, and misplaced attempts to protect a child.

Good role models1/5
Why this rating?

The investigator shows persistence and concern for victims, but most of the family behaves selfishly, deceitfully, or abusively.

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 Crooked House would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Crooked House, and what caused that change?
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