The Tale (2018)
Kernel Score: 80% · 468 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama, Mystery
Released: 2018-01-20
Runtime: 115 minutes
Where to watch The Tale
- Stream: HBO Max
- Rent: Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
An investigation into one woman’s memory as she‘s forced to re-examine her first sexual relationship and the stories we tell ourselves in order to survive.
The Tale parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Tale is an R-rated drama that directly depicts a woman's memories of childhood sexual abuse.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Depicts psychological trauma and distressing abuse-related content, described by reviewers as confronting.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Strong — Centers on a woman's investigation into her own childhood sexual abuse and first sexual relationship as a minor.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Tale
If you liked The Tale, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey (2018) — 88%
- Miss Violence (2013) — 78%
- Cape Fear (1991) — 84%
- Little Tickles (2018) — 82%
- The Sixth Sense (1999) — 89%
- The Lovely Bones (2009) — 81%
- Nostalgia (1983) — 86%
- Revoir Paris (2022) — 77%
Director
Jennifer Fox
Cast
- Laura Dern as Jennifer
- Isabelle Nélisse as Jenny (13 Years)
- Elizabeth Debicki as Mrs. G
- Jason Ritter as Bill
- Frances Conroy as Jane Graham
- John Heard as William P. Allens
- Ellen Burstyn as Nettie
- Laura Allen as Young Nettie
- Matthew Rauch as Aaron
- Jessica Sarah Flaum as Jenny (15 Years)
The Tale FAQ
Is The Tale good?
The Tale has an 80% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 468 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Tale?
In the US you can stream The Tale on HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube and Fandango At Home.
Is The Tale OK for kids?
The Tale is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Tale is an R-rated drama that directly depicts a woman's memories of childhood sexual abuse.
What movies are like The Tale?
If you liked The Tale, try Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey, Miss Violence, Cape Fear and Little Tickles.