The Dogs is a 2025 Canadian supernatural horror thriller directed by Valerie Buhagiar and based on the bestselling novel by Allan Stratton. The movie stars young protagonist Cameron Weaver and follows his escape with his mother, Katherine, from a dangerous past.
As they move into an old farmhouse hoping for a fresh start, Cameron begins seeing ghostly figures, hearing whispers, and encountering terrifying visions.
The farmhouse hides a dark history involving a deadly incident with the McTavish family and their guard dogs. As Cameron investigates the haunting, he uncovers terrifying secrets that could change everything he believes about his past.
The Dogs explores deep and dark themes like domestic abuse, trauma, and supernatural revenge. It will be released in limited theaters on June 13, 2025, by Vertical Entertainment.
The Dogs Age Rating
While the official rating is pending, The Dogs is likely to be rated R for thematic content, disturbing visuals, and brief moments of intense horror. Here’s a closer look at the film’s content:
Violence & Scary Content
The movie features frightening scenes and unsettling visions. Expect:
- Ghost dogs that growl, chase, and appear suddenly
- Flashbacks or implied scenes of violent death
- A backstory involving people being killed by animals
- Shadows, whispers, and a feeling of being watched
The violence is more psychological and atmospheric than graphic, but it is still disturbing.
Language
So far, there are no reports of strong language, but if the film gets an R rating, occasional harsh words may appear. If it’s PG-13, expect mild to moderate language, mostly in emotional or scary moments.
Mature Themes
The film deals with:
- Domestic abuse (a mother and son running from an abusive father)
- Childhood trauma and psychological stress
- The emotional weight of uncovering disturbing family secrets
- Isolation, fear, and mental health challenges
These themes are important but may be too heavy for younger audiences.
Is The Dogs Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not suitable: The movie’s horror elements, domestic abuse storyline, and disturbing visuals are likely too intense for pre-teens.
Ages 13–17: Caution advised: Older teens who are fans of horror might handle the content, especially if they’ve seen movies with similar themes. However, the emotional weight and eerie tone might be upsetting for some viewers. Parental guidance is recommended.
Adults: The film is best suited for mature teens and adults who can understand and process its darker themes.
What Parents Can Do
Watch First If Unsure: Consider watching the film ahead of time to decide if it’s right for your teen.
Talk About the Themes: Use the movie as a way to talk about serious issues like trauma, fear, and healing.
Support During Scary Scenes: If your teen watches it, be around to help them process anything that might be confusing or disturbing.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for The Dogs (2025)?
A: The film doesn’t have an official rating yet, but it’s expected to be PG-13 or R for horror elements and mature themes.
Q: Is The Dogs suitable for kids or younger teens?
A: No. The movie is too dark and emotionally intense for kids under 13.
Q: Does The Dogs have graphic violence?
A: The violence is more disturbing than graphic, but there are scary scenes and themes of death and trauma.
Q: Are there any sexual scenes or nudity in the movie?
A: Based on current information, no sexual content or nudity is expected.
Q: Where can I watch The Dogs (2025)?
A: The movie will be released in limited theaters by Vertical Entertainment on June 13, 2025.