Dead Man’s Wire (2025) is a United States historical crime thriller. It is directed by Gus Van Sant and is grounded in a real 1977 hostage case. The screenplay credits and full writing team vary by source, though Van Sant leads the project.
The film stars Bill Skarsgård, Al Pacino, Dacre Montgomery, Colman Domingo, and Myha’la. The plot follows Tony Kiritsis, a desperate Indianapolis developer, who takes a company president hostage with a rigged “dead man’s” shotgun.
The story is based on the bizarre real-life 1977 Kiritsis standoff. The movie debuted in 2025, with wider distribution details reported by the studio.
Dead Man’s Wire Age Rating
Dead Man’s Wire is rated R by the MPAA for pervasive strong language throughout. This R rating indicates the film contains adult language unsuitable for younger viewers. The film’s tense hostage setup and dark tone support the mature rating.
Violence & Peril
The film shows a prolonged, high-stakes hostage standoff. Physical violence is present mainly as threats and tense confrontations rather than frequent gore. The danger feels constant during the 63-hour siege and creates sustained anxiety. Police actions and close-quarters peril are depicted in realistic, unsettling ways.
Language
Language is the primary reason for the R rating. Strong profanity appears throughout, including frequent use of the f-word. Characters also use bitter insults and harsh, public denunciations on radio. The dialogue is raw, often charged with fury and desperation.
Mature Themes
Dead Man’s Wire explores economic collapse, institutional betrayal, and media sensationalism. It treats themes of mental strain, public spectacle, and moral ambiguity. The film includes smoking and alcohol use in adult contexts. There is suggestive material in tone and implication, but no explicit sexual scenes.
Is Dead Man’s Wire Suitable for Teens?
Ages 12 and under: Not suitable. The film’s language and tense peril are intense and frightening. Young children will likely find the standoff distressing.
Ages 13–16: With guidance. Mature teens may understand the historical context, but parents should pre-screen. The film’s sustained tension and harsh language make parental discussion important.
Ages 17+: Yes, with context. Older teens and adults can watch this film responsibly. We recommend parental discretion for viewers under 17, consistent with the MPAA R rating.
Final recommendation: Dead Man’s Wire is best suited to viewers aged 17 and over.
What Parents Can Do
- Pre-screen the film yourself to judge emotional intensity and language.
- Prepare a short conversation about the 1977 real case, media sensationalism, and economic pressures.
- Discuss coping and emotional reactions after viewing, and offer breaks during tense scenes.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the official MPAA rating for Dead Man’s Wire?
A: Dead Man’s Wire is rated R by the MPAA for pervasive strong language throughout.
Q: Is Dead Man’s Wire appropriate for teens?
A: It depends on age. Teens 17 and older may watch, while younger teens need parental guidance.
Q: Are there violent or scary scenes?
A: Yes. The film centers on a prolonged, high-tension hostage standoff that can feel frightening.
Q: How strong is the language in the film?
A: Language is frequent and strong. Expect repeated use of the f-word and harsh insults.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A: No explicit sexual scenes are central to the story. The film focuses on tension and social issues. (TIFF: Dead Man’s Wire)