Cover-Up (2025) is a 2025 United States documentary and political thriller. It is co-directed by Laura Poitras and Mark Obenhaus and produced by Praxis Films and Plan B Entertainment.
The film profiles investigative journalist Seymour Hersh and traces his decades of reporting on major U.S. scandals. Using Hersh’s notes, archival footage and interviews, the film examines how investigative reporting uncovers institutional abuse.
Cover-Up Age Rating
Cover-Up is rated R by the MPAA for some language and mature themes. The film’s R rating reflects adult subject matter and recurring strong language in interviews and archival recordings. The documentary discusses wartime atrocities, torture, and government wrongdoing in explicit terms. Expect frank reporting language rather than fictional violence.
Violence & Peril
Violence is presented as historical reportage rather than onscreen action. The film recounts real wartime atrocities such as the My Lai massacre and the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse. Graphic imagery is limited to archival photos and descriptions; the emphasis is on documentation and testimony. The emotional tone is serious and often unsettling.
Language
Strong language appears in interviews and archival material. Expect occasional profanity and blunt journalistic phrasing. The language is contextual — used to describe crimes and abuses rather than for gratuitous shock value. Parents should note that salty or explicit words occur periodically.
Mature Themes
The documentary addresses heavy topics: wartime massacres, institutional cover-ups, torture, and intelligence-community misconduct. It explores ethical questions about sources, secrecy, and accountability in journalism. Themes include trauma, government power, and moral ambiguity. References to death, abuse, and distressing testimony are frequent.
Is Cover-Up Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The subject matter is historically violent and emotionally intense. The film’s documentary detail and adult language make it inappropriate for younger children.
Ages 13–15: With guidance. Mature teens interested in history or civics may handle the material if a parent watches first. Parents should be prepared to explain context and discuss traumatic content.
Ages 16–17: Yes, with preparation. Older teens can benefit from the film’s lessons about press freedom and accountability. Pre-screening or co-viewing helps frame difficult scenes and language.
Final recommendation: Cover-Up is best suited to viewers aged 15 and up, or younger teens who watch with a parent and contextual discussion.
What Parents Can Do
- Pre-screen the film yourself to judge tone, archival images, and language.
- Prepare context: explain My Lai, Abu Ghraib, and why investigative journalism matters.
- Debrief after viewing: ask what your teen found upsetting, and discuss sources, ethics, and media literacy.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the official MPAA rating for Cover-Up?
A: Cover-Up is rated R for some language and mature themes.
Q: Is Cover-Up appropriate for kids or younger teens?
A: No for kids under 13; older teens may watch with guidance because of intense topics and frank language.
Q: Are there graphic or violent scenes?
A: The film uses archival images and testimony. Violence is historical and described rather than staged.
Q: Does the documentary feature strong language or slurs?
A: Yes. Expect occasional strong language in interviews and archival audio.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A: No — the film focuses on journalistic investigation, not sexual material.