Cursed on Netflix: What Parents Need to Know

Netflix is my favorite streaming service at the moment.  Sorry, Disney. I’m still recovering from Artemis Fowl.  However, from documentaries about Jeffrey Epstein and USA Gymnastics to series like Warrior Nun and Outer Banks, I’ve spent most of my screen time watching exclusives on Netflix.  And now my new favorite series on Netflix is Cursed which is now available for streaming on Netflix.   However, is Cursed on Netflix appropriate for kids?  I’m answering this question and more in my spoiler-free parent movie review.  From a mature audience rating that includes graphic violence and profanity, here’s what parents need to know about Cursed on Netflix.

Cursed on Netflix:  What Parents Need to Know

With a total of 10 episodes, Cursed is a fantasy series which is a re-imaging of the Legend of King Arthur.  While the series introduces viewers to Arthur and other characters like Merlin, it’s also the origin story of a young woman named Nimue who eventually becomes The Lady of the Lake. With a younger looking cast, which includes Katherine Langford (from 13 Reasons Why), parents might be wondering if Cursed is appropriate for kids.  However, you’ll definitely want to think twice before allowing your kids to watch it with you.  Here are the reasons why.

Cursed is Rated TV-MA

The TV-MA rating is spot on for this particular series.  Because it’s rated TV-MA, it means that it includes mature content that is suitable for adults and generally not suited for those under 17 years of age.  In Cursed, there’s not only frequent use of profanity, but there’s also intense violence, including murder and genocide.  Some of the characters also engage in smoking and drinking.  While the use of profanity pushes the envelope, it’s the violence that accurately reflects the TV-MA rating.  More about the use of profanity and violence below.

Cursed Contains a Lot of Profanity

During the first couple of episodes of Cursed, with a few exceptions, I really didn’t notice any profanity.  However, that didn’t last long. As the series progressed, the characters started to use profanity with more frequency.  For example, some of the characters said words like h**l, s**t, p**s, b***h, d**n, and w***e.  I started to lose count near the end.  

There Is Some Sexual Content in Cursed

There is one sex scene in Cursed but it’s not too graphic.  Additionally, two of the characters are shown in the nude, although their groin areas are covered.  There are also a few kissing scenes between some of the characters, sexual innuendoes, and a skinny dipping scene (because nothing says Medieval Times like skinny dipping).   However, while there is some sexual content, it isn’t as over the top as another fantasy series on Netflix, The Witcher.

There’s a Lot of Graphic Violence in Cursed

Cursed is more violent than I expected and even I had to close my eyes during several of the scenes.  The graphic violence includes stabbings, torture, burnings, decapitations, gore, suffocation, and genocide.  No one is spared – including children and animals.  Not only would these scenes be difficult for kids, but some adults might even have problems watching the scenes as well.

Overall Thoughts

Cursed on Netflix is excellent.  I quickly binge watched all ten episodes once I came to terms with the fact that this series is a re-imaging of the Legend of King Arthur and differs from the versions that I’m familiar with (like Excalibur).  If you aren’t able to overcome that, you will be disappointed.  But I enjoyed it for what it is – a fantasy series with complex characters, the use of magic, its message of inclusion, the never-ending action, and my favorite magician, Merlin.  

Additionally, the special effects in Cursed are visually stunning.  As a viewer, I felt like I was being transported back to Medieval times not only because of the cinematography but also because of the costumes and set design.  The metaphorical transitions from one scene to the next also really stood out to me, from a structure being burned down to a character lighting a match, to blood being shed and a character pouring red wine in a glass.  

However, Cursed is definitely not appropriate for kids.   There are several moments in the series where even I needed to cover my eyes due to the gore and violence.  While the visual effects are stunning, they are gruesome at times.  As a result, this is a series you’ll want to watch without the kids being present.

If you are looking for a Netflix series that is appropriate for kids, please check out my review for The Baby-Sitters Club.

About Cursed

Based on the upcoming book of the same name, Cursed is a re-imagining of the Arthurian legend, told through the eyes of Nimue, a teenage heroine with a mysterious gift who is destined to become the powerful (and tragic) Lady of the Lake. After her mother’s death, she finds an unexpected partner in Arthur, a young mercenary, in a quest to find Merlin and deliver an ancient sword. Over the course of her journey, Nimue will become a symbol of courage and rebellion against the terrifying Red Paladins, and their complicit King Uther.