Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Captive State

film

Captive State

2019

Nearly a decade after occupation by an extraterrestrial force, the lives of a Chicago neighborhood on both sides of the conflict are explored. In a working-class Chicago neighborhood occupied by an alien force for nine years, increased surveillance and the restriction of civil rights have given rise to an authoritarian system -- and dissent among the populace.

Ages 16+Source checked

Why this age? The film involves martial law, terrorism, deaths, torture, executions, coercive surveillance, bleak oppression, and morally complex resistance, presented in a tense thriller style. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age16+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

The story is not presented as promoting brands, products, or merchandise; ordinary objects serve plot functions.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Multiple significant deaths occur, including the protagonist's parents, resistance members, and other characters; death supports the grim rebellion narrative.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Includes scenes of characters being vaporized and some blood during shootings, though it avoids excessive visceral detail.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Moderate profanity is consistent with the film’s gritty, dystopian thriller setting, but the supplied passages do not list specific words or frequency.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal focus on romantic relationships; romance is not a central plot driver.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Alien occupation, surveillance, raids, hunters, martial law, pursuit, and threat of capture create sustained tension.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Some scenes are set in or near a brothel; involves themes of sex work but lacks explicit sexual content.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

A hand-rolled cigarette carries secret information, and a resistance member ingests cyanide to avoid capture.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Resistance attacks, shootings, raids, arrests, vaporization, torture, and violent confrontations are important to the plot.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters confront occupation, surveillance, torture, imprisonment, and death through determined resistance and personal sacrifice.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The film uses imaginative alien occupation, coded communication, surveillance tactics, and inventive resistance strategies.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse cast in terms of ethnicity, though roles are largely defined by their combat or resistance status.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Provides conceptual engagement with themes of surveillance states and political resistance.

Kindness & empathy1/5
Why this rating?

Kindness and loyalty are shown between family members and resistance allies, even in a dark world.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The film explores resistance to authoritarianism, civil rights, sacrifice, surveillance, propaganda, and the costs of fighting oppression.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Characters show courage and commitment to liberation, but resistance involves deception, terrorism, sacrifice, and morally complicated 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 Captive State would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Captive State, 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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