Altered (2025) is a science fiction action film from Finland and the United Kingdom that imagines a divided present ruled by genetically enhanced elites.
The film is directed by Timo Vuorensola and written for a high-concept, socially charged action story. The cast is led by Tom Felton as Leon, with Liza Bugulova as Chloe, and supporting roles from Richard Brake and Igor Zhizhikin.
The plot follows Leon, a disabled inventor who creates an exoskeleton to protect marginalized people and challenge a corrupt system built on genetic advantage.
Altered Age Rating
Altered is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for violence, some bloody images, and language. This rating indicates material may be inappropriate for children under 13 without parental guidance.
Violence & Peril
The film contains frequent action sequences and hand-to-hand combat tied to the uprising against the elite. Violence ranges from non-graphic fights, crashes, and tense chases to a few scenes showing blood and injury. Most violent moments are presented as part of the conflict and are not gratuitously gory, though certain close-ups of wounds and bleeding make some scenes intense. The film also carries sustained peril and tense standoffs that create an anxious atmosphere.
Language
Strong language appears intermittently during confrontations and emotionally charged scenes. Occasional use of harsh expletives and heated insults underscores character anger and social resentment. There is no repeated gratuitous profanity, but the tone is mature and adult-oriented when characters are under stress.
Mature Themes
Altered explores class division, genetic enhancement ethics, and social injustice in a dystopian present. Themes include ableism, institutional corruption, sacrifice, and vigilante justice. There are references to medical procedures and bioethical abuse, and the film contains emotionally heavy moments dealing with loss and systemic cruelty. Suggestive content is minimal, and there is no focus on sexual scenes, but the movie does depict smoking and substance use in passing as part of its world-building.
Is Altered Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The action violence, bloody injury shots, and mature themes make this film unsuitable for preteens. Parents should not allow children this young to view the movie.
Ages 13–15: With guidance. Mature teens may handle the film’s action, but parents should pre-screen for emotional intensity. Expect to talk afterwards about injustice and vigilantism.
Ages 16–17: Yes, with context. Older teens can usually process the film’s themes and violence when parents discuss its ethical questions. Provide context about genetic ethics and real-world inequalities.
Final recommendation: Altered is best suited for viewers aged 15+, with parental guidance recommended for younger teens due to violent imagery and complex moral themes.
What Parents Can Do
- Watch it first yourself to judge intensity, then decide if your teen is ready for the film’s violent and ethical content.
- Prepare to discuss the film’s themes: genetic inequality, ableism, and the consequences of vigilante justice. Use concrete examples from the movie to frame the conversation.
- After viewing, ask open questions about choices characters made, how justice is portrayed, and safer ways to challenge injustice in real life.
FAQs
Q: What is Altered rated and why?
A: Altered is rated PG-13 for violence, some bloody images and language.
Q: Is Altered appropriate for kids or teens?
A: Not for children under 13. Older teens may watch with parental guidance.
Q: Are there violent or scary scenes?
A: Yes. The film features action violence, tense standoffs, and some bloody injury shots.
Q: Does the film use strong language or slurs?
A: The film contains intermittent strong language used during confrontations.
Q: Is there sexual content in Altered?
A: Sexual content is minimal; the story focuses on violence and social themes.
Q: Where and when will Altered be released?
A: The film premiered at Cannes 2024 and is scheduled to release in Russia on September 18, 2025. Other region dates are pending.