Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Beastly

film

Beastly

2011

A modern-day take on the "Beauty and the Beast" tale where a New York teen is transformed into a hideous monster in order to find true love.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Romance4/5
  • Alcohol or drugs3/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Positive messages4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Kindness & empathy3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

General modern setting references, no overt product placement.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

A drug dealer is fatally shot in the released plot; Lindy's father's overdose and the resulting distress add serious danger without making death the central theme.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Brief depiction of a shooting; limited graphic detail.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Some mild profanity and insulting or bullying language may occur, but strong or frequent language is not indicated.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Not a factor in the film's narrative.

Romance4/5
Why this rating?

The core of the plot is the romantic relationship between the leads.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

A curse, frightening transformation, criminal threats, a shooting, and an overdose create moderate tension, though the film is primarily a romantic fantasy.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal; includes general romantic scenes and mild flirtation.

Alcohol or drugs3/5
Why this rating?

Drug addiction is a recurring plot point concerning the female lead's father.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

A teen rescues someone from dealers; one dealer is fatally shot, and there are threats and criminal peril. The alternate shooting ending is not part of the released film.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist musters courage to face his flaws and protect the one he loves.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

The modern New York reimagining of Beauty and the Beast, including a curse, visual transformation, and inventive fairy-tale premise, supports imaginative engagement.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Includes a diverse cast, though roles vary in depth.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Care from Will and Zola, Kyle's protection of Lindy, and his growing concern for others are important parts of his moral change.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on looking past appearances, the importance of inner character, and personal growth.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist changes from a bully to a more compassionate person.

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What message do you think the story most wants you to remember?
  2. How did relationships or romance affect the characters’ choices?
  3. Which choice in Beastly would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Beastly, and what caused that change?
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