We Bought a Zoo (2011)
Story overview
We Bought a Zoo is a heartwarming 2011 family drama-comedy directed by Cameron Crowe. After losing his wife, Benjamin (Matt Damon) purchases a rural house that comes with a struggling zoo, hoping to give his two children a fresh start. While his young daughter embraces the adventure, his teenage son resists the move. Benjamin teams up with head keeper Kelly (Scarlett Johansson) and the dedicated staff to renovate the zoo, facing financial challenges and personal grief along the way. The film explores themes of family bonding, resilience, and new beginnings in a gentle, uplifting manner suitable for most family audiences.
Parent Guide
A gentle, uplifting family film about healing and new beginnings, with emotional themes handled sensitively. Most children 8+ will enjoy the animal scenes and family story, though younger or sensitive viewers may need support with grief themes.
Content breakdown
Brief scenes of animals in mild peril (a sick tiger, escaped snakes), but nothing graphic or violent. Some tense moments about the zoo possibly closing. No physical violence between humans.
Themes of parental death and grief may be emotionally intense for sensitive children. Brief scenes with snakes might startle very young viewers. Overall tone is hopeful rather than scary.
Very mild language includes occasional uses of 'hell,' 'damn,' and 'crap.' No strong profanity. Typical for PG rating.
No sexual content or nudity. There's a very mild romantic subplot with brief kissing and flirting, all age-appropriate.
Adults drink wine socially in a few scenes. No drunkenness or substance abuse depicted.
Central theme of coping with loss of a spouse/parent creates emotional weight. Characters experience grief, anger, and stress, but the film maintains an ultimately hopeful tone. May prompt discussions about loss and healing.
Parent tips
This PG-rated film is generally family-friendly but contains emotional themes that may require discussion. Key points for parents: 1) The story centers on grief and loss of a parent/spouse - be prepared to talk about these emotions with sensitive children. 2) There's mild peril involving zoo animals and financial stress, but nothing graphic. 3) The film models positive values like perseverance, teamwork, and family support. 4) Some scenes show characters drinking wine socially. 5) The 124-minute runtime might be long for younger viewers - consider breaking viewing into segments.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
- What was your favorite animal in the movie?
- How would you help take care of the zoo animals?
- What makes you feel better when you're sad?
- Why do you think Dylan was so angry at first?
- What was the hardest part about fixing up the zoo?
- How did the family help each other feel better?
- How does the movie show that grief affects people differently?
- What would you have done differently to save the zoo?
- What does '20 seconds of courage' mean to you?
- How realistic do you think the family's recovery process was?
- What does the film say about taking risks for happiness?
- How does the zoo serve as a metaphor for the family's healing?
Where to watch
Choose region:
- Disney Plus
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- Amazon Video
- Apple TV Store
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- YouTube
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Trailer
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