A Widow’s Game is a Spanish crime thriller film set to premiere globally on Netflix on May 30, 2025. Directed by Carlos Sedes (Now and Then, Fariña) and written by the team behind The Asunta Case, the movie is based on the true crime story of the “Black Widow of Patraix” in Spain.
The film follows the chilling real-life case of Antonio Navarro Cerdán, a man found murdered in a parking garage in Valencia in 2017. His widow, Maje, initially portrayed as innocent and grieving, soon becomes the prime suspect as investigators uncover a web of betrayal, manipulation, and lies. Starring Ivana Baquero and Carmen Machi, A Widow’s Game promises a gritty psychological thriller experience with strong performances and a slow-burn mystery that exposes the darkness hidden behind seemingly perfect lives.
Produced by Bambú Producciones, known for gripping true crime adaptations, the film is a one-time movie event — not a series — and dives deep into the real events that led to Maje’s shocking conviction.
A Widow’s Game Age Rating
A Widow’s Game is rated TV-MA for strong sexual content, violence, alcohol use, and mature thematic elements. The TV-MA rating signals that the film is intended for mature audiences and is not suitable for viewers under 17 without adult supervision. Here’s a detailed content breakdown for parents:
Violence
The film includes scenes of stabbing and murder, though not excessively graphic. The investigation into Antonio’s death introduces emotional and physical violence, with depictions of betrayal that are deeply unsettling. Tense interrogations and moments of psychological manipulation contribute to a slow-burn intensity that might disturb younger viewers.
Language
Strong language is present throughout the movie, including profanities typically found in crime dramas. While the language isn’t constant, it supports the serious, adult tone of the narrative.
Sexual Content
The movie contains strong sexual themes, including depictions of extramarital affairs and sexually suggestive scenes. While not pornographic, the sexual content is more mature and significant in the storyline, reflecting the real-life motivations behind the crime.
Mature Themes
Themes of infidelity, manipulation, betrayal, murder, and deception are central to the film. Alcohol consumption appears in social and private settings. The movie also highlights the psychological impact of secrets and toxic relationships, making it emotionally heavy and intense.
Is A Widow’s Game Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10-12: Not suitable. Due to mature sexual content, violence, and psychological intensity, the film is completely inappropriate for pre-teens.
Ages 13-17: Even mature teens may find the explicit themes of murder, manipulation, sexual betrayal, and emotional abuse too disturbing. The film’s dark, slow-burn storytelling and TV-MA content rating make it better suited for adult audiences.
A Widow’s Game is best reserved for adults or true-crime fans who can handle intense psychological dramas and the emotional weight of real-world criminal cases.
What Parents Can Do
Watch the trailer below: Parents should consider previewing the film first to assess its suitability for their household, especially given its strong sexual and violent content.
Discuss Real-Life Consequences: If watching with older teens, the film could open discussions about manipulation, emotional abuse, and real-life consequences of betrayal.
Consider Emotional Sensitivity: Viewers sensitive to themes of death, betrayal, or psychological manipulation should approach this movie with caution.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for A Widow’s Game?
A: A Widow’s Game is rated TV-MA for sexual content, violence, alcohol use, and mature themes.
Q: Is A Widow’s Game based on a true story?
A: Yes, it is inspired by the real-life case of the “Black Widow of Patraix” involving the murder of Antonio Navarro Cerdán in Spain.
Q: Is A Widow’s Game suitable for kids or teens?
A: No, it is not suitable for pre-teens or teens due to explicit sexual content, violence, and emotionally intense themes.
Q: Does A Widow’s Game contain sexual scenes?
A: Yes, the film includes sexually suggestive scenes and infidelity as part of the storyline.
Q: When will A Widow’s Game be released?
A: The movie premieres globally on Netflix on May 30, 2025.