Fackham Hall is an eagerly anticipated period comedy parody film scheduled for a US theatrical release on December 5, 2025. Directed by Jim O’Hanlon, the movie is a sharp, slapstick-infused satire of traditional British period dramas, often likened to crossing Downton Abbey with the chaotic humor of Airplane! and Monty Python.
The plot centers on a charming yet smooth pickpocket named Eric Noone (played by Ben Radcliffe) who manages to secure a job at the opulent English manor, Fackham Hall. He swiftly climbs the social ladder and begins a forbidden, scandalous romance with Rose Davenport (Thomasin McKenzie), the daughter of the aristocratic family who owns the estate.
The Davenport family, led by Lord Davenport (Damian Lewis) and Lady Davenport (Katherine Waterston), is already weathering a social disaster involving the failed wedding of their eldest daughter. The chaos is amplified when a sudden murder occurs on the estate, and Eric finds himself framed as the prime suspect.
The film promises a riotous mix of verbal, visual, and subtle gags, with the tagline humorously declaring the aristocratic family was “Born to aristocracy. Bred for idiocy.” The ensemble cast also includes notable actors like Tom Felton, Emma Laird, Anna Maxwell Martin, and Tom Goodman-Hill.
Fackham Hall Age Rating
Fackham Hall is rated R by the MPA for some sexual content, language, and violence. This R rating means viewers under 17 require an accompanying parent or adult guardian. The rating is reflected across industry listings and the film’s parental info pages.
Violence & Peril
Violence in Fackham Hall is largely comic and satirical, but it centers on a murder plot that drives the story. Expect slapstick pratfalls, staged physical comedy, and scenes depicting the aftermath of a crime. While not graphically gory, the murder and some tense sequences may feel unsettling for younger viewers. The film uses the murder as a comic device, but its plot importance gives those scenes more weight than a simple gag.
Language
Profanity appears throughout the film in service of its broad, irreverent humor. Dialogue leans on modern swearing, snarky putdowns, and period-spoof jokes that include adult language. The tone is deliberately rude at times, and repeated strong words contribute to the R classification. Parents should expect frequent coarse language in comic contexts.
Mature Themes
Mature themes include sexual references, romantic entanglements across class lines, and social scandal. The film plays those elements for laughs, sometimes with risqué innuendo and suggestive situations. Alcohol use and jests about sex appear in ways typical of R-rated comedies. There is no focus on pornographic content, but sexual material and adult themes are present enough to be central to certain jokes.
Is Fackham Hall Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The R rating, sexual references, and adult language make this film inappropriate for preteens. The central murder plot and some tension may also frighten younger viewers.
Ages 13–16: With guidance. Older teens may understand the parody and satire, but parents should pre-screen the movie first. Expect coarse language and sexual innuendo that many families will find unsuitable for younger teens.
Ages 17+: Yes, with context. Mature teens and adults who enjoy broad spoofs and irreverent comedy will likely enjoy the film. Parents may still wish to discuss the murder plot and any risqué jokes with sensitive viewers.
Final recommendation: Fackham Hall is best for viewers 17 and older, or for teens 13–16 only after parental review and discussion.
What Parents Can Do
Watch it first: previewing the film helps you judge whether the tone of the satire and the level of sexual humor fits your teen.
Explain parody and context: discuss how the film mocks period dramas and why some jokes aim to shock. This helps teens separate satire from real behavior.
Talk about language and boundaries: use the film as a prompt to discuss when strong language or crude jokes cross a line and how to talk about mature topics respectfully.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the official MPAA rating for Fackham Hall?
A: Fackham Hall is rated R by the MPA for some sexual content, language, and violence.
Q: Is Fackham Hall appropriate for kids or younger teens?
A: No. The film’s sexual references, mature jokes, and comic handling of a murder plot make it unsuitable for young viewers.
Q: Are there scary or violent scenes?
A: The movie includes a murder plot and some tense sequences, but the violence is played mostly for satire rather than graphic realism.
Q: How strong is the language?
A: Language is frequent and coarse. Expect repeated profanity as part of the film’s irreverent tone.
Q: Is there explicit sexual content or nudity?
A: The film features sexual references and suggestive situations. It leans on innuendo and risqué jokes rather than explicit sexual scenes, but those elements contribute to the R rating.
Q: When will it be released and where can I watch it?
A: Fackham Hall opens in US theaters on December 5, 2025. (Official Website: FACKHAM HALL)