The Knife is a 2024 American psychological drama film produced and directed by Nnamdi Asomugha in his directorial debut. Co-written by Asomugha and Mark Duplass, the film stars Nnamdi Asomugha, Melissa Leo, Aja Naomi King, and Manny Jacinto.
Set over a single night, the story follows a young Black family whose home is suddenly invaded by a stranger. As tensions rise and secrets come to light, a dedicated detective attempts to uncover the truth behind the unsettling events that unfold.
The film explores themes of fear, identity, and justice, creating a gripping atmosphere through emotional intensity and suspense. The Knife premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival and has since received critical acclaim, including awards for Best New Narrative Director and Best Cinematography.
The Knife Age Rating
The Knife is rated R by the MPA for some language. Here’s a detailed, spoiler-free look at the film’s content to help parents make informed viewing choices:
Violence & Peril
There are no graphic depictions of violence. However, the home invasion setup and rising psychological tension create a constant sense of threat. Characters argue and act in distress, and the fear of potential harm is strong throughout. A few brief confrontations may be emotionally intense, but are not physically graphic.
Language
The film contains occasional use of strong language, including one or two uses of the F-word. The language supports the emotional realism of the character,s but is not frequent or excessive.
Mature Themes
Themes include fear, trust, race, justice, and the consequences of past decisions. The story raises questions about how people respond to crisis, guilt, and moral dilemmas. Emotional conflict and moral ambiguity play a central role in the narrative, which may be complex for younger viewers.
Is The Knife Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not suitable. While the film does not contain explicit violence or heavy profanity, its mature emotional themes, suspenseful tone, and moral complexity make it inappropriate for pre-teens.
Ages 13–17: Recommended with caution. Older teens with an interest in serious dramas or crime thrillers may appreciate the film’s depth and suspense. However, the slow-burn pacing and mature content may not appeal to all teens. Parental guidance is advised for viewers under 17.
The Knife is best suited for mature teens and adults who can engage with its thoughtful, emotional storytelling and nuanced character drama.
What Parents Can Do
Watch Together: Consider watching the film with your teen and discussing its themes afterward. It’s a great opportunity to talk about how people respond to fear, responsibility, and truth.
Set Context: Help teens understand the psychological nature of the story and its cultural relevance, especially regarding identity and justice.
Address Emotions: The story may bring up strong emotional reactions—be ready to support your teen in processing the intensity of certain scenes.
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for The Knife?
A: The film is rated R for some language.
Q: Is The Knife appropriate for teens?
A: Older teens (16+) may handle the content well, but younger viewers may find it too intense or complex.
Q: Does The Knife have graphic violence or disturbing imagery?
A: No. It builds tension through dialogue, character decisions, and mood rather than violent visuals.
Q: Is there any sexual content in the film?
A: No. There are no sexual scenes or nudity in the film.