Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Departure

film

Departure

2016

An English mother and her teenage son spend a week preparing the sale of their remote holiday house in the South of France. Fifteen-year-old Elliot struggles with his dawning sexuality and an increasing alienation from his mother, Beatrice. She in turn is confronted by the realisation that her marriage to his father, Philip, has grown loveless and the life she knows is coming to an end. When an enigmatic local teenager, Clément, quietly enters their lives, both mother and son are compelled to confront their desires and, finally, each other.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • LGBTQIA characters4/5
  • Romance4/5
  • Alcohol or drugs2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Positive messages3/5
  • Diverse representation2/5

What’s in it?

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Some mild language is plausible in this adult family drama, but the supplied synopsis gives no scene-level examples or frequency details.

LGBTQIA characters4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist's journey of discovering his gay identity is a central theme.

Romance4/5
Why this rating?

Romantic desire and relationships are central, involving the teenage protagonist and the adults around him.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

Some scenes may feel tense or psychologically uncomfortable, but nothing scary.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Contains scenes of implied intimacy and exploration of sexuality, though not explicit.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Adults reportedly drink alcohol in ordinary social or domestic settings; no drug use or glamorization is indicated.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

The characters exhibit the courage to be honest with themselves and each other.

Creativity & curiosity1/5
Why this rating?

The film utilizes cinematography and tone to represent internal emotional states.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a queer protagonist navigating his life and identity.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into human behavior and emotional growth.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Moments of connection and empathy exist amid complex family dynamics.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story emphasizes honesty, accepting sexuality, confronting difficult change, and communicating within families.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Characters are flawed and human, which makes them relatable but not always exemplary.

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 are identity and relationships presented, and how do they shape the characters’ experiences?
  3. Which choice in Departure would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Departure, and what caused that change?
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