Fantasy Life (2025) is a United States comedy-drama with romantic elements. The film blends indie humor with grounded emotional storytelling.
It is written and directed by Matthew Shear. The cast includes Amanda Peet, Judd Hirsch, and Alessandro Nivola.
The story follows Sam, a New York paralegal whose job loss triggers severe anxiety. A chance babysitting job leads him into an unexpected emotional connection with a struggling actress.
The film premiered at festivals in 2025, with a wider release expected in 2026. It is an original story and not based on a book or true events.
Fantasy Life Age Rating
Fantasy Life is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for language, sexual references, and brief drug use. This rating reflects adult dialogue and themes rather than violence. The film focuses on mental health struggles, adult relationships, and emotional instability, which require maturity to process. While there is no graphic content, the frequent strong language and open discussions of sex and anxiety place it firmly in adult territory.
Violence & Peril
There is no physical violence in the film. Emotional tension comes from panic attacks, personal crises, and relationship conflict. Some scenes may feel intense due to anxiety portrayals, but there is no threat or action-based peril.
Language
Strong language is used frequently throughout the movie. Profanity appears in casual conversation and emotional moments. There are no slurs, but the repeated use of adult language makes it unsuitable for younger viewers.
Mature Themes
The film deals heavily with mental health, including panic attacks and therapy sessions. Adult relationships, marital dissatisfaction, and sexual discussions are present. Brief drug use is referenced, likely tied to coping mechanisms or adult lifestyle behavior. There is no nudity, but conversations are meant for mature audiences.
Is Fantasy Life Suitable for Teens?
Ages 12 and under: No. The film is dialogue-driven and focused on adult problems. Strong language alone makes it inappropriate for this age group.
Ages 13–15: Not recommended. While there is no violence, the themes of anxiety, career failure, and marital strain are unlikely to resonate. The language level is also too strong.
Ages 16–17: With guidance. Older teens who enjoy realistic indie films may connect with the mental health themes. Parents should be comfortable with strong language and sexual dialogue.
Final recommendation: Best suited for adults and mature older teens aged 16 and up.
What Parents Can Do
- Talk with teens beforehand about anxiety and panic attacks, especially if they are sensitive to mental health topics.
- Explain that the film focuses on emotional realism rather than fantasy or escapism.
- Encourage discussion afterward about healthy coping methods and adult relationships.
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Fantasy Life (2025)?
A: The film is rated R for language, sexual references, and brief drug use.
Q: Is Fantasy Life appropriate for kids?
A: No. The movie is made for adults and contains strong language and mature themes.
Q: Does the movie have violence or scary scenes?
A: There is no violence, but anxiety attacks and emotional distress may feel intense.
Q: Is there strong language in the film?
A: Yes. Profanity is used frequently throughout the movie.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A: There is no nudity, but there are open sexual discussions and adult references.