All The Empty Rooms (2025) is an American short documentary about the aftermath of school shootings. It is directed and produced by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Joshua Seftel.
The film follows CBS correspondent Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp as they document children’s bedrooms left as they were. The two travel across the United States to memorialize the childhood bedrooms of children who were tragically killed in these incidents. The short premiered at Telluride and screened at TIFF before Netflix acquired distribution.
All The Empty Rooms Age Rating
All The Empty Rooms is rated PG-13 for brief strong language and thematic material, reflecting the film’s confronting subject. The rating essentially advises that the film may be inappropriate for children under 13, given the challenging emotional themes it explores.
Violence & Peril
This is a documentary about the consequences of gun violence rather than on-screen violent action. No graphic reenactments appear, but the subject matter centers on children killed in school shootings. The film’s images and stories create a heavy, tense atmosphere that may upset sensitive viewers. Expect emotional intensity rather than physical gore.
Language
Language is minimal and sparing. The PG-13 label notes brief strong language, which appears in interviews and personal testimony. Profanity is not a central feature, but occasional adult expletives may occur in context. These moments are brief and used within emotional testimony.
Mature Themes
The film explores grief, absence, and the long shadow of gun violence across families. It treats the subject with reverence and photo-based meditation. Themes include child death, trauma, memorialization, and societal loss. Parents should know the documentary engages with real, painful experiences rather than fictional distance
Is All The Empty Rooms Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not suitable. The film’s subject matter is emotionally raw and may be too distressing for younger children. The focus on real children who died makes it hard to process at this age.
Ages 13–15: With guidance. Mature early teens may watch with a parent present. Prepare to pause and explain context, and check emotional reactions afterward.
Ages 16–17: Yes, with context. Older teens can handle the film’s tone. Encourage discussion about grief, media representation, and firearm safety.
Final recommendation: Recommended for viewers 15 and older with caregiver guidance. For younger teens, wait and watch together.
What Parents Can Do
- Watch it first yourself. Pre-screening lets you judge emotional impact and prepare younger viewers.
- Prepare a calm conversation. Explain the documentary’s aim is remembrance and empathy, not politics.
- Offer emotional support after viewing. Ask how the film made your child feel and validate their reactions.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for All The Empty Rooms?
A: The short is rated PG-13 for brief strong language and thematic material.
Q: Is All The Empty Rooms appropriate for kids or teens?
A: It is best for older teens and adults. Younger viewers may find it emotionally overwhelming.
Q: Are there violent scenes or gore?
A: No graphic violence is shown. The film deals with real deaths and their aftermath.
Q: Does the documentary use strong language or slurs?
A: Only brief strong language appears within interviews and testimony. The language is not pervasive.
Q: Is there sexual content in All The Empty Rooms?
A: No. The film focuses on memorialization, absence, and memory.
Q: Where can I watch it?
A: Netflix holds distribution rights, and the short is streaming on Netflix. It also premiered at Telluride and screened at TIFF.