Black Widow

What’s it about?

Black Widow follows Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson), a former Russian spy, as she confronts her dark past and reconnects with her estranged "family" of fellow spies. The film delves into her efforts to take down a dangerous secret organisation while uncovering hidden truths about her origins.

The facts 

• Directed by Cate Shortland (Somersault).
• Starring Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, O-T Fagbenle, Olga Kurylenko, William Hurt, Ray Winstone and Rachel Weisz.
• English language
• Runtime: 134 minutes
• American superhero film based on Marvel Comics featuring the character of the same name.
• Set after the events of Captain America: Civil War (2016).

Why did it get this rating? 

This film was cross-rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body. You can find out more about cross-rating here.

Violence

The violence in Black Widow is intense, stylised, and choreographed in a way that keeps the action fast-paced and impactful. Similar to other Marvel superhero films, it features a mix of close-quarters combat, large-scale shootouts, and some brief moments of blood and injury. There are scenes where characters sustain visible injuries, like cuts and bruises, as a result of their battles but nothing too detailed or graphic is shown. One sequence shows characters in free-fall, fighting while falling through the air, which adds a sense of danger but also brings in that unrealistic superhero element. 

• The fight scenes involve skilled martial arts moves, often with quick punches, kicks, and grappling techniques. There are sequences with intense, brutal fights in confined spaces, including an apartment brawl where the characters use household items as weapons. The fights often involve bone-crunching sounds.
• Throughout the movie, characters use a range of weapons, from guns to knives. In one scene, a major character fights using a collapsible staff, showcasing acrobatics and strategic moves to fight against multiple attackers. Frequent gunfire, explosions, and high-speed vehicle chases add another layer of intensity.

The film also touches on darker themes related to manipulation and control, which adds a layer of psychological tension. This theme is explored with flashbacks that provide insight into the characters’ pasts, and the trauma they’ve experienced.

Scary and upsetting scenes

Children are shown in great distress as they are separated from their ‘parents’. A flashback shows the harsh training that young girls go through to become spies/soldiers, and it is implied that many don't survive. There are also upsetting scenes that suggest painful surgeries or medical procedures.

When content stays with you: 

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.  

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information 

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?