Pi (1998)

Released: 1998-07-10 Recommended age: 16+ IMDb 7.3
Pi

Movie details

  • Genres: Mystery, Drama, Thriller
  • Director: Darren Aronofsky
  • Main cast: Sean Gullette, Mark Margolis, Ben Shenkman, Pamela Hart, Stephen Pearlman
  • Country / region: United States of America
  • Original language: en
  • Premiere: 1998-07-10

Story overview

Pi is a 1998 psychological thriller that follows Max Cohen, a reclusive mathematician who believes he can uncover a numerical pattern that explains everything in the universe, including predicting the future. His obsession with this quest leads him into a dangerous spiral of paranoia and mental breakdown as various groups pursue his discoveries for their own purposes.

Parent Guide

Pi is a psychologically intense film that explores themes of obsession, paranoia, and the search for ultimate truth through mathematics. It contains disturbing imagery, strong language, and mature themes that make it inappropriate for younger viewers.

Content breakdown

Violence & peril
Moderate

Contains scenes of self-harm (drilling into own head), intense psychological peril, and threatening situations. No graphic physical violence, but the psychological tension is constant.

Scary / disturbing
Strong

Very disturbing imagery including hallucinations, paranoia, mental breakdowns, and surreal sequences. The black-and-white cinematography and intense close-ups create a claustrophobic, unsettling atmosphere.

Language
Moderate

Some strong language including 'f--k' and other profanities, though not excessive. The dialogue is often intense and philosophical.

Sexual content & nudity
None

No sexual content or nudity. The film focuses entirely on intellectual and psychological themes.

Substance use
Mild

Brief scene with prescription medication use. No recreational drug use shown.

Emotional intensity
Strong

Extremely intense psychological drama with themes of obsession, isolation, and mental instability. The protagonist's descent into paranoia is emotionally draining and could be disturbing for sensitive viewers.

Parent tips

This film contains intense psychological themes, disturbing imagery, and strong language. It's not suitable for younger viewers due to its complex narrative and mature content. Parents should watch first to determine appropriateness for their teen.

Parent chat guide

If your teen watches this film, discuss: How does obsession affect Max's life? What are healthy ways to pursue knowledge versus unhealthy obsession? How does the film portray mental health issues? What makes mathematical patterns fascinating?

Parent follow-up questions

  • What did you think about Max's obsession with numbers?
  • How did the film make you feel during the intense scenes?
  • What do you think the film is saying about knowledge and power?
  • How does the black-and-white cinematography affect the mood?
  • What would you do if you discovered something that powerful?

Where to watch

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Trailer

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