Mountainhead

What’s it about?

Feature-length satire takes aim at the men on top of the tech industry with Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Cory Michael Smith and Ramy Youssef as a group of billionaire friends who get together against the backdrop of a rolling international crisis.

The facts

• Directed by Jesse Armstrong (Succession)
• English language
• Runtime: 112 minutes
• Starring Steve Carrell, Jason Schwartzman, Cory Michael Smith

Why did it get this rating?

This film was self-rated by Neon. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.

In the style of the TV series Succession, this is a dialogue-heavy story, that is set in and around a billionaire’s holiday mansion. The characters attempt to show-off and bond at the same time. The language and bullying at times can be shocking as it is a satire of unlikeable personalities.

Offensive language

Strong language such as ‘f*ck it’, ‘what the f*ck’, and ‘sh*t show’ are heard. The strongest example is when a character says in anger ‘I will f*cking rape you’.

Content that may disturb

As the characters are staying at a holiday destination there are news reports and scenes on the TV of real world violence happening. Some of the details of what is happening is discussed but not shown. There is talk about fake videos and AI-made content inspiring the violence. There are references to paedophiles making use of the technology that they profit from.

In a particularly disturbing sequence, characters team up to kill another character. They discuss different kill methods including pushing down the stairs, suffocation with a pillow (which they attempt and fail at), and then trapping the victim and pouring petrol into their prison.

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?