Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material, some disturbing content, sexuality and language including a drug reference.
Starring Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster
Directed by Jodie Foster
“People love a train wreck—unless it’s happening to them.”
Walter, once a successful and happy family man, has hit rock bottom. But, in his darkest hour, he finds a rather unusual savior: a beaver hand-puppet that takes over Walter’s life in an attempt to change things for the better.
I can honestly say I was not looking forward to this one…but I’m so glad I watched it.
At first, The Beaver seems like a sad sack comedy – you know when you’re not sure if you should laugh and when you do you kinda feel bad. But Jodi Foster keeps things on track and makes sure that the dark comedy eventually takes over. This isn’t a movie about at a wacky family and an ugly hand puppet; it’s an exploration of mental illness and the way it can wrench a family.
The acting throughout — Foster, Lawrence, Yelchin — is amazing, and this is one of Gibson’s finest performances – and Braveheart is my favorite movie…EVER! Then you have Jodie Foster as the director and this is definitely her best! That being said, it will be interesting to see if the public will be able to see past Gibson’s publicized personal problems and appreciate the movie for what it is.
Although it’s not a fun topic and it is difficult to watch at times…The Beaver is Theater Worthy.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
With the mature themes, dark subject matter and sex scene, it’s probably a good idea to keep the younger viewers away from this one.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
Q: What’s the message/theme of this movie?
A: The Beaver is all about telling a difficult story about a difficult illness. We are reminded that pain is real and sometimes there is no quick fix for the hurting. We also need to remember that it is often grace and love and patience that pave the road to redemption.
Q: How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
A: I think the best reaction to this movie is to discuss how we should interact with those who are hurting.
- What is your first reaction when you see a homeless person on the side of the road with a cardboard sign asking for money?
- What is your first reaction when you see a child’s picture on a Compassion International envelope?
- How do you feel when you see a student being bullied in the hallway at your school?
- What goes through your mind when students are laughing at that new kid in the cafeteria?
- How would Jesus handle those situations?
Read Matthew 25:31-46
How does Jesus want us to treat the “least” of them around us?
Q: How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
A: The question here is, how do we live out the call of Jesus in Matthew 25:40 to treat others as we would treat Him? (“…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”)
What are some practical ways we can help those around us?
Are you willing to be the kind of student who is willing to make a difference?
