The family member in the doghouse shared their dilemma to Mumsnet, under username Cheathimsilly, where they explained they took their niece to the movies, along with their own baby, while their son was at school.

They claimed it was a “baby friendly” showing, later revealing it was a screening of The Dark Crystal, originally released in 1982.

The movie’s plot is explained by IMDb as: “On another planet in the distant past, a Gelfling embarks on a quest to find the missing shard of a magical crystal, and to restore order to his world.”

Directed by The Muppets’ and Labyrinth’s Jim Henson, the site states the flick pulled in $4,657,335 in its opening weekend across the U.S. and Canada, and grossed $41,631,350 worldwide.

The site shared a parents’ guide to the film, claiming it was certified PG in the U.S. and for the U.K. video version.

Website Film Rating explains PG refers to parental guidance, saying: “May contain some material parents might not like for their young children.”

It also received a U and A rating in the U.K., where the family are thought to be based, meaning universal—suitable for children aged 4 and older. The U rating replaced the older A rating.

IMDb shares a parents’ guide, ranking violence and gore in the film as mild, but moderate for frightening and intense scenes.

It references some moments which may scare children, saying: “There are scenes of torture against a podling and a gelfling by the Skeksis that might be frightening for young children. The Skeksis are scary-looking creatures that seem to be a mix of a dinosaur and a vulture.

“There is a scene towards the beginning when the emperor Skeksis dies and their face crumbles off. This may seem scary to some young children.

“The Garthim are very creepy and menacing over-sized bugs that may scare younger viewers.”

The post, entitled “SIL wants me to apologise to her DD,” has racked up more than 350 responses since being shared Sunday, and can be read here.

The Mumsnetter claimed it started well and they had popcorn and a soda to share, but about five minutes in, her niece said she was “scared.”

They wrote: “I said it’s fine, there’s a lot of funny stuff. Sit tight and enjoy her treats etc.

“She said again 5 minutes later, I don’t like it, I’m scared. I said please will you just give it a try? Low and behold, 5 minutes later she’s giggling at some of the film and fine for the rest of it.

“Then the credits came up, and she said she was terrified! I said what of? She said the screens gone black.”

They claimed her niece immediately ran into her mom’s arms “in floods of tears,” as she continued: “SIL was shocked and said ‘Why didn’t you take her out?’ I said I didn’t think she was being serious

“Now SIL has messaged me saying what I did was cruel, and to at least ring her later and apologise to her DD.”

In the comments, they claimed the film suggestion had been the mom’s idea, as it was a childhood favorite.

They raised fears before taking the girl, which fell on deaf ears, as they continued: “I said before we went it was a bit ‘dark’ (I said this to SIL). She insisted that my niece had seen a lot worse!

“I said I was a similar age when I saw it to be fair. My SIL then said she wanted her to see it so she could talk to her about it, as it’s one of her favourites (SIL.)”

And they defended themselves, claiming the little girl appeared “whingy” rather than displaying any “genuine discomfort,” confirming they would have removed her from the cinema if they thought she was truly scared.

“Perhaps at times she did feel a little scared but terrified? Definitely not,” they added.

Mummyboy1 said: “Omg I saw that when I was young, I still have a rough memory of it, and it scared me then! You should have listened to her the first or second time. I do think you should apologise to her.”

Quveas thought: “Just noticed the film update. I love that film. But I am not remotely surprised that a child would find it frightening.”

Funkyblues101 commented: “Just apologise for some peace and quiet then don’t take your niece out again. It sounds more trouble than it’s worth.”

Ithinkiwanttobealone replied: “She sounds annoying. I’d phone and apologize saying I didn’t realise she was frightened. I’d remind my SIL it was her movie choice and you had the baby settled and it was a nice day you thought. Then I wouldn’t take her out again.”

While Soupmaker added: “Honestly from what you’ve told us you and SIL are both being unreasonable and ridiculous.”

Newsweek was not able to verify the details of the case.