Through the Ages (and Ratings): Paul Mescal

As parents, it’s important to have open discussions with tamariki about why some films or series are better suited to their age and how different genres can affect the way stories are told. You can help them understand that just because an actor is great in one film doesn’t mean all their work will be right for them. Checking age ratings and reading reviews together can be a way to set healthy viewing boundaries while fostering a love for films and actors responsibly.

Below we have created comprehensive list of films and series featuring Paul Mescal which ranks them from the most family friendly to the ones to save for when the kids are older. We provide insights into what they are about, their ratings, and moments to watch out for and talk about. By discussing these elements together, parents can help their whānau make informed choices that suit their values and comfort levels, as well as help step younger family members through the tricky parts.

Once you’ve picked a film or series to watch with your whānau, it’s helpful to talk with them during and after the movie. This encourages them to reflect on what they’ve seen and share their thoughts, making the experience more meaningful. Here are some questions you could ask:

For younger tamariki:

• What was your favourite part of the movie or series, and why did you like it?
• Were there any parts that felt too scary or confusing? How did you feel during those scenes?
• How do you think the characters felt when something bad or unexpected happened?
• If you were one of the characters, what would you have done differently?

For older tamariki or rangatahi:

• Did any of the characters’ choices surprise you? Why do you think they acted that way?
• How did the film make you feel about certain themes, like family, friendship, or dealing with tough situations?
• Do you think the message or ending was clear? Was there anything that made you think more about real-life issues?
• Were any parts hard to watch, like the intense or emotional scenes? How do you think those scenes added to the story?

Not only is this a fun way to chat about the movie or series, but it also encourages tamariki to think critically about what they’ve just watched. Plus, it gives you insight into how they’re processing different levels of content.

Aftersun (2021)

Rating: M | Offensive language, nudity and flashing images that may cause seizures

What’s it about? Aftersun follows young Sophie on a summer holiday with her father, Calum (Mescal), as she slowly becomes aware of his inner struggles. Told through Sophie’s memories as an adult, the film explores family bonds, nostalgia, and the lasting impact of a parent's emotional life.

Can my child watch this? As a slow burn with subtle but important topics, including suicide themes and mental illness, this film is likely not suited for younger children. However, for younger rangatahi, it can be a thoughtful watch together, providing a chance to discuss death, grief, relationships, mental health, and family bonds.

Moments to look out for: After battling with depression for a long time, it’s implied that one of the main characters takes their own life, and it’s a slow and emotional build up to the moment in the film when this becomes clear. Depending on your tamariki’s age, you may also want to be mindful of offensive language including words like “f*ck” and a*s.”

The Deceived (2021)

Rating: M | Violence, offensive language & sex scenes

What’s it about? This four-part series follows a Cambridge student’s scandalous affair with her professor. She’s shattered by a devastating loss, plunging her deeper into a web of lies and betrayal.

Can my child watch this? This psychological thriller that centres on themes of infidelity, manipulation, and mystery, and has some intense scenes. The show includes suspenseful moments and deals with themes like deception in relationships that might not be suitable for rangatahi.

Moments to look out for: There are some scenes that involve violence or physical altercations. Though they aren’t overly graphic, the suspense and buildup can make them feel tense. There’s some paranormal elements, including references to ghosts, that are more psychological than visually frightening. Themes of death and grief can also be quite heavy.

The Lost Daughter (2021)

Rating: M | Sex scenes, offensive language & content that may disturb

What’s it about? Leda, a professor on a quiet beach holiday in Greece, is disrupted when she becomes intrigued by a young mother, Nina, and her daughter. As Leda watches them, her own past as a mother resurfaces, bringing up feelings of guilt and regret.

Can my child watch this? It’s best suited for adults due to its slow pace and heavy subject matters like guilt, regret and emotional distress, however it may be of interest to some older rangatahi.

Moments to look out for: Leda's flashbacks to her past as a mother, where she feels resentment and emotional distance towards her children and an unsettling scene where Leda takes Nina’s daughter. There are a couple of sex scenes with partial nudity, and a masturbation scene 

Carmen (2022)

Rating: R13 | Violence, offensive language and sex scenes

What’s it about? A woman seeking freedom embarks on a dramatic, life-changing journey from Mexico to Los Angeles.

Can my child watch this? Violence, and some sexual content, makes it more suitable for rangatahi aged 13 and over.

Moments to look out for: A shooting and moments of emotional distress, particularly involving the characters’ struggles with loss and trauma. Additionally, there are some sex scenes and a few uses of the word “f*ck.”

Foe (2024)

Rating: 16 | Drug use, sex scenes, offensive language and violence

What’s it about? Junior (Mescal) and Hen’s (Saoirse Ronan) lives are disrupted when Junior is selected for a mission on a space station, leaving an artificial replica of him to live with Hen in his absence.

Can my child watch this? This film is for audiences 16 and over. Themes like complex relationships and emotional intensity may be challenging for younger viewers. The slow-burn style and unsettling tone make it less engaging and potentially confusing for kids, though it could spark meaningful discussions for older rangatahi about identity and connection.

Moments to look out for: There are a few sex scenes with realistic “groaning” noises and some nudity shown. There’s also a bit of violence, the strongest moment being when a character repeatedly punches a wall until their fist bleeds, as well as a stressful scene where a character is wrapped in plastic and has the air sucked out of it.

All of Us Strangers (2022)

Rating: R16 | Drug use and sex scenes

What’s it about? A lonely screenwriter has a chance encounter with a mysterious neighbour in his near empty apartment block where an affair is sparked, and old memories are confronted.

Can my child watch this? This film is for viewers 16 years of age and older due to the drug use and sex scenes shown. Young people may feel more at ease watching this film on their own or with friends, given its sexual content. However, this presents a great opportunity for parents to discuss the important themes and challenging content explored in the film, fostering open conversations and deeper understanding – even if you don’t watch it together.

Moments to look out for: The film contains brief sex scenes, no explicit nudity is shown. Oral sex is implied, this is mostly covered but we do see head movement off-screen. Brief sight of ejaculate on a character’s chest which is then licked off. A character is on top of another, we see thrusting and buttocks - no explicit nudity is shown. Characters are seen using drugs such as weed, mushrooms, and ketamine. We see two characters sniffing ketamine. There are also some suicide themes - characters discuss their apartment tower’s windows can’t be opened so no one can jump off – which may be upsetting for some viewers.

Gladiator II (2024)

Rating: R16 | Bloody violence and cruelty

What’s it about? When ruthless emperors take control of Rome and destroy his home, Lucius is thrust into the brutal arena of the Colosseum. To reclaim the glory of Rome and restore hope to its people, he must dig deep into his past and find the strength to fight back.

Can my child watch this? The second film steps up the intensity, with more violence and graphic detail of injuries compared to the 2000 original. It’s restricted to those aged 16 and over, and deciding if it’s suitable for your rangatahi really depends on their tolerance for blood and bodily harm. While there’s no sexual content and minimal coarse language, the violence is frequent and intense, involving a range of weapons. If your rangatahi is sensitive to animal cruelty, there are some potentially upsetting scenes – though the animals are CGI, which might make it less distressing.

Moments to look out for: There are two decapitations, one of which is highly detailed, with the character's neck injury shown for an extended time. In another scene, a character’s arm is severed, exposing flesh and bone. A needle is inserted into a character’s ear, resulting in their death.

Normal People (2020)

Rating: 18 | Explicit sex scenes, offensive language

What’s it about? Marianne and Connell (Mescal), two Irish teens from different backgrounds, have an intense on-and-off relationship. As they navigate love, class differences, and personal growth, they discover how deeply they’re intertwined, facing vulnerability, heartbreak, and self-discovery along the way.

Can my child watch this? The show has explicit sexual content, nudity, and themes around mental health and complex relationships. While it’s a beautifully told story, it may not be appropriate for younger audiences due to its mature themes. Like All of Us Strangers, your 18-year-old may feel more at ease watching this film on their own or with friends. If you’re considering watching it together, previewing an episode might help you gauge if it aligns with your comfort levels.

Moments to look out for: There’s a lot of sex, with nudity (breasts and backsides) shown in both sexual and non-sexual contexts. The scenes focus on faces and reactions, balancing depictions of both Connell and Marianne, but are quite realistic and drawn out. They take time to talk about (and put on) a condom.

Watch this space for more “Through the Ages” blogs where we guide you through age appropriateness for different franchises, actors and directors. Coming soon...Studio Ghibli!

Further reading:

• What the M?! – Blog
• Through the Ages (and Ratings): Florence Pugh – Blog