Long Shadows (2025) is a Western drama with psychological thriller elements, directed by William Shockley. The screenplay highlights themes of trauma, vengeance, and redemption.
The cast includes Blaine Maye, Sarah Cortez, Dermot Mulroney, Jacqueline Bisset, and Dominic Monaghan. The story follows Marcus Dollar, a young man orphaned by violence who sets out to avenge his parents’ deaths while struggling with trauma and blurred reality.
Along the way, he meets allies and adversaries, including a former outlaw mentor, a saloon owner, and a conflicted assistant. The film will have a limited theatrical release on November 7, 2025, with distribution details to follow.
Age Rating and General Content
The film “Long Shadows” is officially rated R, which means it’s intended for adults. The rating is due to some violence, bloody images, and brief drug use. This content may be disturbing or intense for younger viewers.
Violence and Peril
The violence in the movie is moderate to strong. It begins with a disturbing scene showing the murder of the main character’s parents. Throughout the film, there are gunfights and violent encounters, some of which include bloody consequences. The psychological tension is also a key element, heightened by the main character’s trauma and his unstable grasp on reality, which can be unsettling.
Language
The movie’s official rating does not highlight strong language, which suggests that there is no excessive swearing. While there may be occasional profanity, viewers can expect to hear insults and heated conversations that are appropriate for the film’s historical setting.
Mature Themes
“Long Shadows” explores several mature themes, including grief, the desire for revenge, psychological trauma, and difficult moral dilemmas. There are also brief scenes of drug use, likely to show the culture of the time or how characters cope. The film’s portrayal of manipulation, violence, and a fractured identity is what makes it most suitable for a mature audience.
Is Long Shadows Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–13: No.
The violence, trauma-driven narrative, and mature themes are too heavy for preteens.
Ages 14–15: Not Recommended.
The film’s R rating, bloody images, and drug use make it unsuitable. The psychological intensity could be disturbing.
Ages 16–17: With Guidance.
Older teens may handle the violent and psychological themes, but parents should provide context. Pre-viewing discussions about grief, revenge, and morality can help.
Final Recommendation: Best for mature audiences 17+. Teens under 16 are not advised to watch.
What Parents Can Do
Discuss trauma and revenge: Explain how the film portrays cycles of violence and the difficulty of healing.
Talk about Western history: Contextualize the setting during America’s modernization period and how lawlessness shaped characters’ choices.
Prepare for disturbing imagery: Let teens know about the murder scene and bloody moments before viewing.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q1: What is the age rating for Long Shadows (2025)?
A1: The film is rated R for some violence, bloody images, and brief drug use.
Q2: Is Long Shadows suitable for teens?
A2: Not for younger teens. Older teens (16–17) may watch with guidance due to violence and mature themes.
Q3: How violent is the film?
A3: Violence includes the murder of Marcus’s parents, gunfights, and bloody aftermaths.
Q4: Does the film have profanity or slurs?
A4: Language is not a rating factor, suggesting limited profanity, though heated Western dialogue is present.
Q5: Is there drug or alcohol use?
A5: Yes, brief drug use appears, along with alcohol tied to the saloon setting.
Q6: When and where will Long Shadows be released?
A6: The film will have a limited theatrical release beginning November 7, 2025.