Fairyland (2025) is an American drama about growing up in 1970s–80s San Francisco. Directed by Andrew Durham. Screenplay adapted from Alysia Abbott’s memoir Fairyland: A Memoir of My Father (2013).
Produced by Sofia Coppola. Stars Scoot McNairy, Emilia Jones, Nessa Dougherty, Geena Davis, Cody Fern, Maria Bakalova, and Adam Lambert.
The story follows father Steve Abbott and his daughter Alysia. It explores identity, bohemian life, and the AIDS crisis.
Premiere: Sundance Film Festival (2023). Theatrical release: October 10, 2025.
Fairyland Age Rating
Fairyland is rated “R” by the MPAA, which means it is intended for mature audiences. This rating is due to the film containing strong language and scenes of drug use. Because of this, the content is considered more suitable for adults.
Violence & Peril
The movie’s violence is not very intense and doesn’t show a lot of blood or graphic details. Instead, the scary or tense parts come from threats and emotional danger, especially as the characters are affected by the AIDS crisis. The film focuses more on the emotional pain and loss experienced by the characters rather than on gory or violent scenes.
Language
The movie includes some strong language, and you’ll hear occasional swear words. There are also honest, adult conversations about relationships and the struggles of being sick. This language is used to make the characters and their situations feel more real and true to life.
Mature Themes
The film explores important and serious themes like death, grief, the AIDS epidemic, sexuality, and a person’s identity. It also shows scenes of drug use and party culture, but it doesn’t make them look appealing or glamorous. While there is no explicit sexual content, there are scenes that talk about adult sexuality. Characters are also shown smoking, which is a detail that fits the time period. The movie handles the difficult topic of the AIDS crisis in a thoughtful and sensitive way, but the subject matter can be very emotional and intense for viewers.
Is Fairyland Suitable for Teens?
Ages 0–12: No. Too many mature themes. Death and illness scenes are emotionally heavy. Not appropriate for children.
Ages 13–15: With Guidance. May be overwhelming for younger teens. Consider pre-screening. Expect questions about illness and sexuality.
Ages 16–17: Yes — With Context. Older teens can benefit from the historical and emotional themes. Parental discussion recommended.
Final recommendation: Best suited for mature teens (16+) and adults. Younger viewers should only watch with an informed adult.
What Parents Can Do
- Pre-screen or watch together. The film contains emotional scenes about loss and disease. Watching first helps you prepare.
- Discuss historical context. Explain 1970s–80s San Francisco, LGBTQ+ history, and the AIDS epidemic.
- Use it to start a conversation. Talk about grief, consent, identity, and how families can look different.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q1: What is Fairyland’s MPAA rating and why?
A1: Fairyland is rated R for Language and drug use.
Q2: Is Fairyland appropriate for kids or teens?
A2: Not for kids. Older teens (16–17) may watch with guidance.
Q3: Are there scary or violent scenes?
A3: No graphic violence. Tension comes from emotional peril and illness.
Q4: Does the film contain sexual content or nudity?
A4: Sexuality is depicted and discussed, mostly implied rather than explicit.
Q5: Are drugs or smoking shown?
A5: Yes. Smoking and some drug use appear in period context.
Q6: Where will Fairyland be available to watch?
A6: Limited theatrical release from Lionsgate starting October 10, 2025.