Mean Girls

What’s it about?

Cady Heron and the Plastic are back – but this time in a musical. The Broadway inspired film is centred around Cady trying to become a part of the iconic A-list girl group in high school with the intention to make the Queen Bee, Regina Georgia, pay.

The facts

• Directed by Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr
• English language
• Runtime: 112 minutes
• Written by Tina Fey, Nell Benjamin, and Rosalind Wiseman
• Based on the Broadway musical of the same name, which in turn was based on Mark Waters's 2004 comedy film, both written by Tina Fey and based on Rosalind Wiseman's 2002 book Queen Bees and Wannabes.

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.

Cruelty

True to the original books, 2004 film and Broadway musical, the film highlights nasty and cruel behaviour in a high school setting. There is bullying both on and offline amongst friends and students.

Offensive language

Highly offensive language is used throughout the film, including words such as “sh*t”, “b*tch”, ‘fugly” and “sl*t. These are commonly used to insult one another or out of frustration. One character is called a “pyro-lez” with the intention of insulting her because of her sexuality.

Sexual references

Characters are seen kissing each other. One characters number of sex-partners is mentioned multiple times and sometimes with the intention to make her feel bad. During a sex-ed class a teacher talks about condoms, safe sex and references “choking”.

Violence

A character is hit by a bus. The scene is brief and hard to see. There are physical altercations but are over-dramataised which makes them feel not real and therefore less impactful.

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• Mean Girls - content guide
• Tina Fey on ‘Mean Girls’ Then and Now – The New York Times
• Parents, are you watching Love Island?
• Talking with young people about what they’re watching