Dust Bunny is a 2025 horror film that marks the feature film directorial and screenwriting debut of highly acclaimed television creator Bryan Fuller, best known for his work on Hannibal and Pushing Daisies.
This unique and whimsically macabre “dark fairy tale” centers on the unlikely alliance between an eight-year-old girl named Aurora (played by Sophie Sloan) and her mysterious neighbor, a professional hitman known as Resident 5B (portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen).
Convinced that a monster under her bed has consumed her family, Aurora seeks out the hitman’s assistance to eliminate the subterranean creature.
Dust Bunny premiered at festivals in September 2025 and opens theatrically in the U.S. on December 5, 2025, via Lionsgate Films and Roadside Attractions.
Dust Bunny Age Rating
Dust Bunny is rated R by the MPAA for violence, including some disturbing images and tense peril. This R rating signals mature content that is intended for adult viewers. The film pairs child characters with brutal themes and violent action. Parents should treat it as adult material and preview before allowing teens to watch. For context on R-rated themes in recent films, see comparable guides that explain violence and language in detail.
Violence & Peril
Violence in Dust Bunny is moderate to strong and often unsettling. The film includes physical confrontations, fight scenes, and sequences implying serious bodily harm. Several scenes focus on a subterranean monster and its effects on characters, creating sustained tension. The presence of a child protagonist near violent situations raises emotional risk for younger viewers.
Language
Language is present but not the film’s central issue. Expect occasional strong profanity and harsh terms during high-stress scenes. Any slurs or targeted hateful language are used in context, not as endorsement. Overall, spoken content supports a gritty, adult tone rather than light family fare.
Mature Themes
Dust Bunny explores grief, trauma, and blurred moral lines. Themes include child abandonment fears, vigilante impulses, and moral ambiguity around violence. There may be brief references to substance use, and implied adult relationships appear offstage. The film uses macabre whimsy to soften darker moments, but mature emotional material remains central.
Is Dust Bunny Suitable for Teens?
Ages 8–12: No. The film’s violent themes and scary imagery are inappropriate for children. An eight-year-old protagonist does not make this film child friendly.
Ages 13–15: With guidance. Older teens might handle conceptually difficult material but may find scenes distressing. Parents should pre-screen and discuss the film’s themes first.
Ages 16–17: Caution advised. Many older teens can follow the story, but the disturbing violence and mature themes may be triggering. Consider a parent-teen discussion before viewing.
Final recommendation: Dust Bunny is best for viewers 17+ and adults. Parents should preview it before allowing teens to watch.
What Parents Can Do
- Watch the film first to judge intensity. Note scenes that might upset sensitive teens.
- Prepare a short discussion about grief and moral choices. Use the film to talk about right versus wrong.
- Offer reassurance after viewing. Explain fantasy elements and separate them from real danger.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Dust Bunny?
A: Dust Bunny is rated R by the MPAA for violence and disturbing imagery.
Q: Is Dust Bunny appropriate for kids or teens?
A: No for young kids. Older teens may watch with parental guidance and pre-screening.
Q: Are there scary or violent scenes?
A: Yes. The film contains tense, unsettling scenes and physical violence.
Q: Does Dust Bunny use strong language or slurs?
A: Some strong language appears, used in tense contexts rather than casually.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A: The film focuses on violence and trauma. Sexual content is minimal or implied.
Q: Where will Dust Bunny be released?
A: Dust Bunny premiered at festivals in September 2025 and opens in U.S. theaters on December 5, 2025.