Afterburn is a 2025 post-apocalyptic action and sci-fi thriller film directed by J.J. Perry and based on the Red 5 Comics series. The film stars Dave Bautista, Samuel L. Jackson, Olga Kurylenko, Kristofer Hivju, Daniel Bernhardt, Eden Epstein, and others.
Set in a world torn apart by a catastrophic solar flare that wiped out technology and mutated life across the Eastern Hemisphere, Afterburn follows Jake Steele (Bautista), a former special forces operative turned scavenger. Tasked with recovering valuable relics from the “burn zone,” Jake is drawn into a dangerous mission to recover the Mona Lisa—only to uncover a bigger truth that could change the world’s future.
The movie blends high-octane action, sci-fi survival, and gritty emotion in a Mad Max-style wasteland. It’s set for limited release in the U.S. on August 22, 2025.
Rated R for strong bloody violence and language, Afterburn contains content that is intense and may not be appropriate for younger viewers.
Afterburn Age Rating
Afterburn is rated R for strong bloody violence and language. Below is a detailed, spoiler-free content breakdown to help parents understand what to expect:
Violence & Peril
This film contains frequent, intense action scenes including brutal hand-to-hand combat, gunfights, and explosions. Blood and injuries are shown in detail, with some gory moments involving mutants and radiation-based deformities. The violence is stylized but gritty and realistic in tone. Expect decapitations, impalements, and close-quarters kills.
Language
Strong profanity is used throughout the film, including multiple uses of the F-word and other harsh language. The dialogue reflects the harsh and lawless environment of the post-burn world.
Mature Themes
Themes include survival in a collapsed society, radiation mutations, corporate greed, death, and sacrifice. There are scenes showing the psychological toll of living in a chaotic, lawless world. Some characters express nihilistic views, while others cling to hope in desperate ways.
Is Afterburn Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not suitable. The violence, language, and post-apocalyptic setting make this film far too intense and graphic for pre-teens. Even action fans in this age group may find it overwhelming.
Ages 13–17: Not recommended for most teens. While some older teens familiar with R-rated action films might be able to handle the intensity, the graphic violence and mature themes may still be too strong for general teen audiences. It’s best suited for mature viewers who are used to gritty sci-fi and war-style action.
Verdict: Afterburn is best for adults or older teens with parental guidance, especially those who enjoy intense survival thrillers and post-apocalyptic action.
What Parents Can Do
Preview the Film First: Watch the film yourself to judge how your teen may react to the violence and dark tone.
Discuss the World-Building: Talk about the dystopian setting, themes of survival and morality in collapsed societies, and the real-life implications of climate and technological dependency.
Set Limits: Encourage breaks or co-viewing if your older teen is curious, and help them process any disturbing scenes or emotional reactions.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Afterburn?
A: Afterburn is rated R for strong bloody violence and language.
Q: Is Afterburn appropriate for teens?
A: No, it’s too intense for most teens due to graphic action and mature post-apocalyptic themes.
Q: Does Afterburn have graphic violence?
A: Yes, the film features heavy action, gore, and detailed combat injuries.
Q: Is there any sexual content in Afterburn?
A: No sexual content or nudity has been reported.
Q: When is Afterburn releasing?
A: It is expected to release in limited U.S. theaters on August 22, 2025, with a digital release to follow.