Honey Bunch is a 2025 Canadian psychological gothic thriller with strong folk-horror influences. The film is written and directed by Madeleine Sims-Fewer and Dusty Mancinelli, following their intense debut Violation.
The cast includes Grace Glowicki, Ben Petrie, Jason Isaacs, Kate Dickie, and India Brown. The story follows Diana, a woman who awakens from a coma and is taken by her husband to a remote trauma retreat, where strange therapies and ritualistic practices raise disturbing questions about trust, control, and identity.
The film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival on February 18, 2025, before screening at TIFF and Fantastic Fest. It is scheduled to stream on Shudder beginning February 13, 2026.
Honey Bunch Age Rating
Honey Bunch is officially rated 15 by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) for strong threat, violence, and disturbing thematic material.
This rating indicates the film is intended for viewers aged 15 and older, with content that may be inappropriate or distressing for younger teens due to its psychological intensity and mature themes.
Violence & Peril
The film contains moderate but impactful violence, including scenes of physical restraint, medical trauma, and emotionally charged confrontations.
Much of the danger is psychological, with sustained tension, ritualistic imagery, and a sense of constant menace rather than frequent graphic injury.
Some sequences may feel unsettling due to their clinical or cult-like presentation, even when explicit violence is limited.
Language
Strong language is used throughout the film, including frequent profanity in moments of emotional distress.
The language reflects the breakdown of relationships and heightened psychological pressure rather than casual humor. No racial slurs are present, but the tone is consistently intense and adult.
Mature Themes
Honey Bunch explores heavy themes, including gaslighting within marriage, memory loss, manipulation, and bodily autonomy. The film also touches on trauma recovery, emotional abuse, and power imbalances in intimate relationships. There is minimal sexual content, but the psychological intimacy and control elements may be disturbing for some viewers. Smoking and alcohol use appear briefly but are not a major focus.
Is Honey Bunch Suitable for Teens?
Ages 15–16: With Guidance. Teens in this range may handle the content, but the psychological themes and unsettling imagery could be distressing without context.
Ages 17–18: Yes. Older teens familiar with slow-burn horror and psychological thrillers are likely to understand and process the film’s themes.
Under 15: No. The film’s tone, themes of manipulation, and sustained dread are not appropriate for younger viewers.
Overall recommendation: Best suited for mature viewers aged 16 and up, with parental discussion encouraged for younger teens.
What Parents Can Do
- Talk with teens beforehand about psychological horror and how tension can be more disturbing than graphic violence.
- Discuss themes of consent, trust, and manipulation in relationships after viewing.
- Help younger viewers separate symbolic or ritual imagery from reality to reduce lingering fear.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Honey Bunch?
A: Honey Bunch is rated 15 by the BBFC for strong threat, violence, and disturbing themes.
Q: Is Honey Bunch appropriate for kids?
A: No. The film is not suitable for children due to its psychological intensity and mature subject matter.
Q: Are there scary or disturbing scenes?
A: Yes. The film relies heavily on unsettling imagery, ritualistic behavior, and sustained psychological dread.
Q: Does the movie contain strong language?
A: Yes. Strong profanity is used frequently in emotionally intense scenes.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A: There is minimal sexual content and no explicit nudity, but themes of control and intimacy are present.
Q: Where can I watch Honey Bunch?
A: Honey Bunch will stream exclusively on Shudder starting February 13, 2026.