Parents Television Council Reviews

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Based on the best-selling book series by Stephenie Meyer, Twilight tells the story of Bella, an intelligent, shy teenage girl forced to move from her mother’s home in Phoenix to live with her father in the tiny town of Forks, Washington. Though the other teens in Forks welcome Bella, she is attracted to brooding loner Edward Cullen. After Edward saves her from a car accident – by shoving the oncoming car out of the way – Bella pieces together the truth: Edward is a vampire. Though Edward fears he will accidentally harm her, Bella and Edward fall in love; and Bella, though mortal, is welcomed into Edward’s vampire “family.” But there are other vampires who view humans only as prey…

Though an almost intoxicatingly atmospheric romance, there is no overt sex in Twilight. A considerable erotic mood is created throughout the film, but Edward and Bella’s passion is expressed almost entirely through conversation and a few kisses. Only one scene is slightly more physical: in Bella’s bedroom, with Bella wearing only a t-shirt and panties, the two almost go too far (though in this context, “going too far” means Edward biting Bella’s neck and turning her into a vampire). There are also a few passing references to anatomy and sex by other characters: girls in a high-school cafeteria comment on the “Olympic-sized” bulges in the trunks of the boy’s swim team; when trying on prom dresses one girl displays her cleavage and states that the dress “makes [her] boobs look good;” and during a phone conversation in which Bella tells her mother she has a boyfriend, her mother asks, “Are you being safe?” Language is limited to the reference to “boobs” and a few uses of “hell.” Bella says “I swear to God” at one point. Bella acts in a mildly rebellious manner towards her father at times, but is sincerely contrite when she hurts his feelings – which she does only to protect him from other vampires.

There is only one scene of major violence in Twilight. Throughout the majority of the movie, vampire attacks are shown as blurred and indistinct scenes. A gang of thugs threatens Bella, but they are scared off by Edward’s menacing appearance. As Bella researches vampires, a few very mildly frightening images are shown. The climactic battle between Edward and another vampire contains major elements of fantasy violence; Edward and his foe trade superhuman kicks and punches, sending each other sailing through the air and crashing into walls, mirrors and floors without harm. The other vampire sadistically throws Bella into a wall, breaks her leg and bites her, with a small amount of blood shown. Bella spasms in agony as the vampire’s “venom” courses through her veins. While Edward sucks the venom out of her, the other members of his “family” defeat the enemy vampire. One is explicitly shown breaking his neck, and it is implied that the others dismember him and burn his corpse. 

Twilight emphasizes chaste romance, loyalty and devotion between those in love, and an understanding of the need for acceptance of family and those who are different. Essentially a traditional Gothic romance updated for the 21^st century, Twilight may not be to every parent’s taste; but its lack of sex and foul language and its (mostly) restrained violence make it an inoffensive choice for the romantically-minded teenager. Due to its violent scenes and emphasis on teen romance, the Parents Television Council does not recommend Twilight for viewers under age 13.

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