Bodyguard of Lies is a 2025 U.S. documentary-thriller about the Afghanistan War and systemic government deception. It’s directed by Dan Krauss with producers including Alex Gibney, Susan Zirinsky, and Darryl Frank & Justin Falvey.
The film features testimony from insiders, confidential documents, and archival combat footage to examine how narratives were shaped over two decades of conflict. It world-premiered at the Tribeca Festival and is distributed by Paramount+ with a limited theatrical run before streaming.
Released in the U.S. with a limited New York theatrical opening on September 12, 2025, it streams September 23, 2025 on Paramount+.
Runtime is 1h 30m. Dialogue is primarily in English with sections in Pashto (English subtitles).
Bodyguard of Lies Age Rating
Bodyguard of Lies is rated R for language and some disturbing images. This comes from the MPA/CARA rating bulletin. Expect frequent strong language in interviews and captions, plus brief but upsetting war footage and photos. On streaming, comparable TV guidance would align with TV-MA for language and disturbing imagery.
Violence & Peril
The documentary includes real war imagery. You may see brief views of wounded civilians and soldiers, explosions, and aftermath stills. The footage is archival or news-sourced, not staged, and is presented to contextualize policy failures. The intensity is moderate but emotionally heavy due to realism.
Language
Frequent strong language appears in interviews, audio recordings, and archival clips describing battlefield events and political decisions. This level of profanity is a key reason for the R rating.
Mature Themes
The film focuses on government deception, propaganda, accountability, and the human cost of war, including discussions of casualties and trauma. It collaborates with The Washington Post and uses insider testimony, confidential documents, and private recordings to build its case. No sexual content or nudity is reported. Smoking or alcohol may appear incidentally in archival material but are not emphasized.
Is Bodyguard of Lies Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The disturbing images and heavy real-world subject matter are not appropriate for preteens.
Ages 13–15: With Guidance. Mature, news-savvy teens may handle it with an adult present. Prepare them for upsetting war footage and strong language.
Ages 16–17: Yes, With Guidance. Older teens can engage with the film’s journalism and historical context. Parents should be available for post-viewing discussion.
Bottom line: Because it’s Rated R for language and disturbing images, under-17 viewers need an accompanying adult in U.S. theaters. At home, we recommend 15+/16+ with parental guidance based on sensitivity to war imagery.
What Parents Can Do
Prep for context. Briefly explain the Afghanistan War timeline and why government messaging is under scrutiny before you watch.
Set expectations about imagery. Let teens know they may see real-world aftermath photos or combat clips that can be unsettling.
Discuss media literacy. After viewing, talk about sources, leaks, and how journalism evaluates official claims. Consider reading coverage or reviews together.
Official Trailer
FAQs
1) What is the official age rating for Bodyguard of Lies?
It’s Rated R for language and some disturbing images, per the MPA/CARA bulletin.
2) Is it appropriate for kids or younger teens?
Not for kids. For teens, we suggest 15+/16+ with guidance due to upsetting real footage and strong language.
3) How intense are the violent or scary scenes?
Intensity comes from real war imagery and testimony rather than staged violence; expect brief but distressing archival content.
4) What about profanity or slurs?
There is frequent strong language in interviews and recordings; this is central to the R rating.
5) Is there sexual content or nudity?
No sexual content is indicated; the focus is on policy, journalism, and war.
6) Where can I watch it?
Limited theatrical release began September 12, 2025 (NY only), with Paramount+ streaming from September 23, 2025.