You're scrolling through Netflix or Hulu, and you see a movie poster featuring Natalia Dyer—Nancy from Stranger Things—looking contemplative in a Catholic school uniform. It’s called Yes, God, Yes. Maybe you’ve heard it’s a coming-of-age story. Maybe you’re wondering if it’s something you can watch with your teenager or if you should avoid it entirely during family movie night. Honestly, the yes god yes parents guide is a bit more complicated than your standard PG-13 rating might suggest.
It’s rated R. That’s the first thing you need to know.
The film, directed by Karen Maine and based on her own short film, isn't a "raunchy comedy" in the vein of American Pie, even though the plot revolves almost entirely around a 16-year-old girl discovering her own sexuality. It is quiet. It is awkward. It is painfully relatable for anyone who grew up in the "purity culture" of the early 2000s Midwest. But because it deals so frankly with topics that are often taboo in religious households, parents usually want a breakdown of what’s actually on screen versus what’s just implied.
Why the R Rating Matters
Usually, when we see an R rating, we expect blood, guts, or constant F-bombs. Yes, God, Yes doesn't really go that route. The R rating from the MPAA is primarily for "sexual content," and they aren't kidding. While there is no full frontal nudity, the movie is centered on Alice (Dyer) and her discovery of masturbation after an AOL chatroom encounter goes weird.
If you are looking for a yes god yes parents guide to help you decide if it's "safe," you have to define what safe means to you. Are you okay with seeing a character explore her own body? There are several scenes depicting Alice masturbating—some involve household objects (like a Nokia phone on vibrate or a shower head). There isn't graphic nudity, but the context is very adult.
The language is actually pretty tame compared to most R-rated films. You'll hear the occasional "shit" or "hell," but the "big" swear words are sparse. The focus is on the internal shame Alice feels because of her strict Catholic upbringing. It’s a character study of guilt.
The Specifics: Sex, Drugs, and Catholic Guilt
Let's get into the weeds. Alice attends a retreat called "Kirkos." If you went to a Catholic high school in the early 2000s, this will trigger some intense secondary embarrassment.
Sexual Content
This is the "meat" of the movie. Alice is accused of a sexual act she didn't even perform, which leads to her being ostracized. Ironically, the rumors push her to explore her own curiosity. You will see:
- Alice looking at a suggestive (but not hardcore) chatroom message.
- A scene in a bathroom where she uses a vibrating phone.
- Scenes of her in the shower where it is clear she is masturbating.
- A scene at a bar where she watches a man and woman in a semi-public sexual encounter (fully clothed, but heavy grinding).
- Discussions about "tossing salad," which the characters don't actually understand the meaning of initially.
Drinking and Smoking
There isn't much here. You see some older characters at a bar. Some minor characters might mention drinking, but it’s not a "party movie." It’s much more focused on the oppressive atmosphere of the religious retreat than on teenage rebellion through substances.
The "Cringe" Factor
For many parents, the most uncomfortable part won't be the sex—it’ll be the hypocrisy. The movie goes out of its way to show that the adults and "perfect" students leading the religious retreat are often doing exactly what they tell the younger kids is a sin. This could lead to some very intense (and potentially awkward) conversations about faith and honesty if you watch this with a 15-year-old.
Is it Actually "Anti-Religious"?
That’s a big question. Many parents looking at a yes god yes parents guide are worried the film is a hit piece on Christianity.
It’s not, really. It’s more of a critique of a very specific kind of religious environment—the kind that prioritizes shame over conversation. Alice doesn't necessarily lose her faith; she loses her patience with the people who lie to her. There is a very poignant scene toward the end of the film where Alice talks to a woman (played by Susan Blackwell) in a bar. This woman offers a more nuanced, "live and let live" perspective on faith and human nature that provides a counterpoint to the rigid rules of the retreat.
If your family is deeply conservative, this movie will likely feel offensive because it treats female self-discovery as a natural, non-shameful thing. If your family is more open-minded or you're using it as a jumping-off point to talk about the dangers of "purity culture," it could actually be a useful tool.
Key Takeaways for Decision Making
Don't let the "Catholic school" setting fool you into thinking this is a family-friendly romp. It’s an indie drama with a dry sense of humor.
- Age Appropriateness: Most critics and parents agree that while it's rated R, mature 16-year-olds have likely seen and heard much worse on TikTok. However, the theme of masturbation is constant. If that makes you or your teen turn into a bright red tomato, skip it.
- The "Why": Why watch it? Because it’s one of the few movies that accurately depicts how confusing it is to grow up as a girl in a world that tells you your body is a "temple" but also a "distraction."
- The Humor: It’s funny. But it’s "I’m laughing because this is awkward" funny, not "slapstick" funny.
Actionable Steps for Parents
If you decide to let your teen watch Yes, God, Yes, or if you watch it together, here is how to handle the aftermath without making it weird:
- Wait for them to talk first. Don't jump in with a lecture. Ask what they thought about the "Kirkos" leaders. Usually, kids are quick to spot the hypocrisy in the Father Murphy or Chris characters.
- Address the "Purity" aspect. The movie is set in the early 2000s, but the pressure on young women regarding their reputations hasn't changed; it has just moved to social media. Ask if they feel that kind of pressure at their school.
- Check the tech. If you’re a parent of a younger kid (under 13), this isn't for them. The references to early 2000s internet culture will go over their heads, and the sexual themes are too mature for that age group.
- Verify the platform. This movie is frequently available on Netflix. Use your parental controls if you want to restrict R-rated content, as the thumbnail looks fairly innocent and might attract younger viewers who like Natalia Dyer from her role as Nancy Wheeler.
Essentially, the film is a 78-minute lesson in why honesty matters more than perfection. It’s a short watch, but it packs a punch in terms of the conversations it might trigger. If you're okay with the frank depiction of a girl's sexual awakening, it's a high-quality, well-acted film that captures a very specific moment in time. Just maybe don't watch it with your own parents unless you want the most uncomfortable hour of your life.
