The Carpenter’s Son (2025) is a French-American horror film written and directed by Lotfy Nathan. It stars Nicolas Cage, FKA twigs, Noah Jupe, Souheila Yacoub, and Isla Johnston.
The story follows a hidden family in Roman Egypt as a boy’s powers draw natural and divine threats. The film draws on the Infancy Gospel of Thomas and is slated for a fall 2025 U.S. release from Magnolia Pictures.
The Carpenter’s Son Age Rating
The Carpenter’s Son is rated R for “strong/bloody violent content, and brief nudity.” This is the Motion Picture Association’s final rating, listed in CARA’s weekly bulletin. Parents should expect sustained dread, frightening set-pieces, and brief, non-sexual nudity within a religious horror context. Tone appears somber and intense, not action-heavy or camp.
Violence & Peril
Marketing teases supernatural menace, child-in-peril tension, and scenes of bloody violence that earned the R. Imagery leans devotional yet disturbing, with threats described as **“natural and divine.” Expect jump scares and ritual-tinged unease over gore showcases. The overall atmosphere favors psychological dread.
Language
The rating reason does not cite language, so profanity is likely limited or not a driver. Trailers and copy do not highlight slurs or repeated swearing. Expect intense shouting during peril. We will update if distributors share detailed descriptors.
Mature Themes
Themes include faith and doubt, persecution, and potentially blasphemy concerns for some viewers. The R note confirms brief nudity, not framed as sexual content. The premise adapts apocryphal material, which may prompt questions about canon and fiction. Substance use is not signaled in marketing.
Is The Carpenter’s Son Suitable for Teens?
- Ages 10–12: No. Religious horror and child-focused peril are too intense.
- Ages 13–15: Not recommended. Bloody violence and heavy spiritual themes may distress younger teens.
- Ages 16–17: With Guidance. Mature teens who handle religious horror can watch with context.
- Final recommendation: Best for 16+, with a post-viewing discussion.
What Parents Can Do
- Set context first. Explain that the film draws on apocryphal sources and is fiction, not scripture.
- Preview the teaser together. Gauge your teen’s tolerance for bloody and spiritual horror.
- Debrief after. Discuss how filmmakers rework religious stories and what crosses the line for your family.
Official Trailer
FAQs
1) What is the official age rating for The Carpenter’s Son?
It is Rated R for “strong/bloody violent content, and brief nudity.”
2) Is it appropriate for kids or younger teens?
Generally no. The film’s religious horror framing and bloody violence target older audiences.
3) How scary or graphic is it?
Expect sustained dread, supernatural threat, and some bloody moments that justified the R. Gore appears present but not dominant in marketing.
4) Does it include profanity or slurs?
Language was not cited in the rating reason. Trailers do not highlight profanity.
5) Any sexual content or nudity?
Yes, brief nudity is indicated, with no sexual framing confirmed in materials.
6) Where can I watch it?
A fall 2025 theatrical release is planned in the U.S. via Magnolia Pictures. Streaming is TBA.