Dream Eater (2025) is a Canadian found-footage horror film that mixes psychological and cosmic horror. It was co-written and co-directed by Jay Drakulic, Mallory Drumm, and Alex Lee Williams, and stars Mallory Drumm and Alex Lee Williams.

The film follows a documentarian who records her boyfriend’s worsening parasomnia during a winter cabin getaway, then suspects something supernatural is at work. Dream Eater is presented by Eli Roth’s The Horror Section and opens in theaters October 24, 2025.

Dream Eater Age Rating

Based on the film’s strong horror imagery, escalating violence during sleep episodes, and intense psychological and cosmic-possession themes, parents should treat Dream Eater as adult-oriented. We recommend an MPAA classification of R for disturbing violent content, intense terror, and thematic material that is not suitable for children. Reviews and festival coverage describe the film as intensely unsettling with nightmare sequences and violent outbursts, reinforcing the R-level guidance.

Violence & Peril

Dream Eater builds its scares around violent nocturnal episodes and sudden, brutal outbursts. The film shows physical attacks and aggressive behavior tied to the parasomnia, and these scenes escalate in intensity as the story progresses. Violence is not framed as cartoonish; it is visceral and meant to unsettle. Many critics warn that the back half of the film delivers “nightmare fuel” and protracted sequences of terror that linger after the credits.

Language

Strong profanity appears in tense confrontations and frantic scenes, though dialogue is primarily realistic and situational. The language serves the characters’ fear and panic, rather than comic effect. Expect frequent adult language during arguments and violent moments.

Mature Themes

Dream Eater revolves around parasomnia, possession, and the unravelling of a relationship under extreme stress. Themes include mental health (sleep disorders), trauma, and possible occult influence. The film also explores isolation, gaslighting through the lens of documentary footage, and the psychological toll of witnessing a loved one’s violent collapse. Sexual content is minimal or incidental; the primary mature material is horror, violence, and disturbing imagery.

Is Dream Eater Suitable for Teens?

Ages 10–12: No. The film’s violent nocturnal episodes, disturbing imagery, and mature themes make it inappropriate for preteens.

Ages 13–15: With guidance — probably not. Younger teens may be frightened and upset by intense, sustained sequences of violence. Parents should strongly consider waiting until teens are older.

Ages 16–17: With caution. Mature older teens who handle horror and psychological material may watch this with parental context. Discuss the film’s depiction of sleep disorders versus supernatural explanation before and after viewing.

Final recommendation: Dream Eater is best suited to adults and older teens (16+) who are experienced horror viewers. Parents should preview or read detailed reviews before allowing teens to watch.

What Parents Can Do

• Watch first: Preview Dream Eater yourself to judge its intensity for your teen. The film uses found-footage framing and builds dread slowly; seeing it ahead of time helps you decide if your child can cope.
• Explain reality vs. fiction: Use the film to talk about real sleep disorders, like parasomnia, and the difference between medical conditions and supernatural explanations. Encourage teens to ask questions rather than assume sensational causes.
• Debrief after viewing: If an older teen watches, have a calm conversation about what frightened them and why. Offer reassurance about nightmares and sleep issues and, if needed, suggest speaking to a trusted adult or a health professional.

Official Trailer

FAQs

Q: Is Dream Eater appropriate for teens?
A: It is not appropriate for young teens. Older teens (16–17) might watch with parental guidance, but parents should preview first.

Q: Are the violent scenes graphic?
A: The violence is visceral and unsettling. While reviews note it is not gratuitously gory, the intensity and realism are high and may be deeply disturbing.

Q: Does the movie include sexual content or nudity?
A: Sexual content is not a headline element. The primary mature material comes from violence, terror, and psychological themes.

Q: Where and when can I watch Dream Eater?
A: Dream Eater opens in theaters on October 24, 2025, via Eli Roth’s The Horror Section distribution. Check local listings and ticket sites for showtimes.