Omaha is a poignant 2025 American drama film that explores themes of familial grief, economic hardship, and the desperate love of a struggling parent. It marks the feature directorial debut of Cole Webley and is based on a screenplay by Robert Machoian, known for his work on the critically acclaimed film The Killing of Two Lovers. The film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in the U.S. Dramatic Competition category, where its stripped-down intimacy and powerful performances garnered significant attention.
The film Omaha follows an unnamed father, played by John Magaro, and his two children, Ella and Charlie, as they grapple with the recent death of the children’s mother and a simultaneous financial crisis, likely set during the 2008 downturn. Forced from their home, the father initiates a panicked, mysterious cross-country road trip toward Omaha, Nebraska.
Throughout the journey, the father struggles to hide his profound grief and stress, attempting to convince young Charlie that their escape is a fun adventure. However, the older daughter, Ella, observes his palpable turmoil and slowly begins to grasp the devastating truth behind their flight. The movie is intentionally sparse on dialogue, relying instead on intimate moments of joy and pain to convey the family’s deep emotional core and Ella’s dawning realization of her father’s desperate, ambiguous plan.
Omaha Age Rating
Omaha is rated PG-13 for thematic material. The official rating highlights the film’s mature themes, emotional intensity, and scenes where a parent abandons or endangers children. The PG-13 rating indicates parental guidance is suggested for viewers under 13.
Violence & Peril
The film contains no graphic violence or gore. Peril is emotional and situational: the father shows volatile behaviour, abandons his children in at least one upsetting scene, and throws things during a heated argument. These moments are tense and may upset young viewers.
Language
Language is mild. Profanity is rare and not a primary focus. Most dialogue is restrained and the film relies on visual storytelling rather than repeated coarse language.
Mature Themes
Omaha centers on grief, loss, financial ruin, and parental desperation. There is no sexual content or nudity. The film has no substance use or smoking. The primary mature concerns are emotional collapse, abandonment, and implied plans that threaten the children’s safety.
Is Omaha Suitable for Teens?
Ages 8–12: No. The emotional intensity and scenes of abandonment are inappropriate for most children under 13. Younger viewers may find the material frightening and confusing.
Ages 13–15: With guidance. Early teens may handle the themes if an adult watches with them. Prepare to pause and explain scenes of parental failure and grief.
Ages 16–17: Yes, with context. Older teens can process the film’s ideas about loss and desperation. Discuss mental health and where to seek help after viewing.
Final recommendation: Parents should consider maturity, sensitivity, and family history with loss before allowing children to watch.
What Parents Can Do
Preview short clips or scenes. Watch a few key moments to judge tone and determine if your child can cope.
Prep with a short conversation. Explain that the story shows how grief can make adults act badly, not how children should live.
Debrief after viewing. Ask how your child felt and offer reassurance. Share resources if they are upset.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the official MPAA rating for Omaha?
A: Omaha is rated PG-13 for thematic material.
Q: Is Omaha appropriate for teens?
A: Older teens (16–17) can usually handle it. Younger teens need parental guidance.
Q: Are there violent or scary scenes?
A: There is no graphic violence, but there are tense, frightening scenes of abandonment and anger.
Q: Does the film include sexual content or nudity?
A: No. The film has no sexual content or nudity.
Q: Is there drug or alcohol use shown?
A: No drug use, smoking, or alcohol scenes are noted.
Q: Where can I watch Omaha?
A: The film premiered at Sundance in 2025. Check local release listings or streaming platforms for availability.