Twitch: The Story of Daniel Franco is a 2024 American sports documentary that blends biography, medical drama, and social commentary.
The film is directed by Sterling Hampton IV and focuses on the real-life journey of professional boxer Daniel “Twitch” Franco.
The documentary features Daniel Franco, Al Franco, Teresa Franco, and Mike Franco through interviews and archival footage.
It follows a rising boxing prospect whose career and life were forever changed after a catastrophic in-ring injury.
Released theatrically in June 2024, the film moves beyond sports success to examine survival and recovery.
Daniel Franco was a promising featherweight signed to Roc Nation Sports before a 2017 fight altered everything.
After collapsing in the ring from a severe brain injury, he entered a medically induced coma.
The documentary chronicles his long rehabilitation and the emotional toll on his family.
Twitch: The Story of Daniel Franco Age Rating
Twitch: The Story of Daniel Franco is rated R by the MPAA for language.
The R rating reflects frequent strong language used in interviews, along with realistic depictions of medical trauma.
Hospital footage, discussions of brain bleeding, and recovery challenges are shown in an unfiltered documentary style.
The overall tone is serious, intense, and emotionally heavy, intended for mature audiences.
Violence & Peril
- There is no traditional movie violence, but real-life physical danger is central to the story.
- The film includes boxing footage that leads to a severe knockout and collapse in the ring.
- Medical discussions and visuals related to brain injury, surgery, and physical impairment are shown realistically.
- These moments may be distressing for sensitive viewers.
Language
- Strong language appears throughout the documentary in interviews and candid family conversations.
- Profanity is used naturally during emotional moments and discussions of trauma.
- There are no slurs, but the language contributes to the R rating.
- Parents should expect repeated use of adult language.
Mature Themes
- The film deals heavily with life-threatening injury, disability, and long-term medical recovery.
- Themes include identity loss, depression, and the emotional strain placed on families.
- Discussions around sports safety and physical risk are central to the narrative.
- There is no sexual content, but the emotional intensity is significant.
Is Twitch: The Story of Daniel Franco Suitable for Teens?
Ages 13–15: Not Recommended.
The graphic medical details and strong language may be overwhelming for younger teens.
The emotional weight of the subject matter requires maturity to process.
Ages 16–17: With Guidance.
Older teens interested in sports or documentaries may benefit from supervised viewing.
Parental discussion can help contextualize the risks and emotional themes.
Ages 18+: Yes.
Adults will better understand the documentary’s message about resilience and responsibility.
The film is best suited for mature audiences due to its realism.
Overall, the recommended viewing age is 17+ with parental guidance, or 18+ for independent viewing.
What Parents Can Do
- Prepare teens for realistic medical discussions and emotionally intense hospital scenes.
- Talk about athlete safety and the long-term consequences of high-impact sports.
- Encourage conversation about identity, resilience, and redefining goals after trauma.
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Twitch: The Story of Daniel Franco?
A: The film is rated R for strong language.
Q: Is Twitch: The Story of Daniel Franco appropriate for kids?
A: No, the documentary is not suitable for children due to its mature themes and imagery.
Q: Are there violent or scary scenes?
A: Yes, real boxing footage and medical emergencies may be disturbing for some viewers.
Q: Does the film contain strong language?
A: Yes, frequent profanity appears throughout interviews and emotional moments.
Q: Is there sexual content in the documentary?
A: No, there is no sexual content or nudity.