Cold Storage (2026) is a U.S./France co-production sci-fi horror comedy directed by Jonny Campbell from a screenplay by David Koepp. The cast includes Georgina Campbell, Joe Keery, and Liam Neeson, with supporting roles by Sosie Bacon, Vanessa Redgrave, and Lesley Manville.
The plot follows two young night-shift storage employees who, with a grizzled former bioterror operative, must stop a mutating, brain-controlling parasitic fungus that escapes from a sealed military site beneath a self-storage facility.
The film is adapted from David Koepp’s 2019 novel of the same name. Cold Storage is scheduled for U.S. theatrical release in February 2026; the trailer and marketing list Samuel Goldwyn Films as the U.S. distributor.
Cold Storage Age Rating
Cold Storage is rated R by the MPAA for violent content, gore, and language. The rating reflects frequent graphic body horror, scenes of people being violently infected or exploding, and repeated strong profanity.
Violence & Peril
Violence in Cold Storage is strong and often graphic. The threat is biological: a parasitic fungus infects hosts, causing gruesome physical changes, body ruptures, and explosive gore. Many scenes show transformation and body damage on screen, and tense sequences place characters in immediate, life-threatening peril. The film’s atmosphere mixes shock, dark comedic beats, and escalating containment failure.
Language
The film contains frequent strong profanity throughout. Characters use repeated coarse language during tense and panicked moments. Expect multiple uses of the f-word and hard expletives in close succession, used for both comic effect and to heighten stress.
Mature Themes
Cold Storage includes adult themes that may disturb younger viewers. These include biological catastrophe, death, and the ethics of containment and secrecy by government bodies. There are also scenes of panic, survivors making grim choices, and moments that combine gross-out horror with bleak dark humor. Sexual content is minimal or not a focus; however, substance references or smoking may appear in small doses. The core mature element is the intense body-horror and the existential risk to humanity.
Is Cold Storage Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The film’s graphic body horror and intense, grotesque images are not appropriate. The tone, gore, and frequent strong language make this film unsuitable for preteens.
Ages 13–15: With guidance — not recommended. Younger teens may be traumatized by the visceral transformations and gore. Parents should preview the film and avoid showing it to sensitive viewers.
Ages 16–17: With caution. Older teens with experience watching R-rated horror may handle the material, provided a parent discusses the intense imagery first. Expect strong reactions to the gore and to scenes that blend comedy with real threat.
Final recommendation: Cold Storage is primarily for adults and mature older teens (16–17) only with prior parental preview and discussion. The MPAA R rating signals mature content that most children and younger teens should avoid.
What Parents Can Do
- Pre-screen the film before allowing a teen to watch. The film’s body horror is graphic and may be upsetting.
- Prepare your teen by explaining the mix of dark comedy and horror. Point out that the outrageous visuals are fictional and designed to shock.
- Use the film as a conversation starter about contagion myths, how fiction differs from real science, and why containment ethics matter.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the MPAA rating for Cold Storage?
A: Cold Storage is rated R by the MPAA for violent content, gore, and language.
Q: Is Cold Storage appropriate for kids or younger teens?
A: No. The film contains graphic body horror, gore, and strong language. It is not suitable for children or most younger teens.
Q: How scary or violent is the film?
A: The violence is intense and often graphic, featuring body transformations and explosive gore. Expect sustained tension and shocking imagery.
Q: Does Cold Storage have strong language or slurs?
A: Yes. The film includes repeated strong profanity used in tense and stressful scenes.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A: Sexual content is not a primary element in marketing or the trailer. The film’s mature content centers on violence and body horror.
Q: Where and when can I watch Cold Storage?
A: Cold Storage is slated for theatrical release in February 2026 in the U.S. Samuel Goldwyn Films is handling the U.S. release. Check local listings for exact dates and formats.