K.O. is a gritty French action thriller premiering on Netflix on June 6, 2025, starring Ciryl Gane as Bastien, a retired MMA fighter haunted by a tragic past. When the teenage son of the man Bastien accidentally killed in the ring goes missing, he’s drawn back into a world of danger, navigating the violent underworld of Marseille. Teaming up with Alice Belaïdi as Kenza, a determined police officer, Bastien embarks on a relentless mission to rescue the boy, Léo, played by Maleaume Paquin.
Directed with visceral intensity and driven by themes of redemption and guilt, K.O. explores the consequences of violence and the human cost of organized crime. With hard-hitting fight scenes, tense standoffs, and emotional stakes, this film is designed for mature audiences only.
K.O. Age Rating
K.O. is rated TV-MA for graphic violence, strong language, and mature thematic content. Here’s a breakdown of what parents should expect:
Violence
The film contains frequent and brutal violence, including intense hand-to-hand combat, gunfights, and beatings. As an MMA-centered action thriller, the physical confrontations are realistic and often bloody, with scenes of characters being severely injured or killed. Torture, intimidation tactics, and close-range shootings are depicted. The danger to a teenage boy is central to the plot, creating sustained tension and emotional distress.
Language
Strong profanity is used throughout, including repeated use of the f-word, s-word, and other coarse language in both English and French. The language reflects the rough environment of Marseille’s criminal underworld.
Sexual Content
There is minimal sexual content. Some flirtation and suggestive dialogue may occur, but no nudity or explicit scenes are shown. The film stays focused on its action and emotional stakes.
Mature Themes
K.O. deals with death, grief, trauma, drug trafficking, organized crime, and personal redemption. Bastien is tormented by guilt over killing another fighter, and the film explores heavy psychological themes.
The setting in a crime-ridden neighborhood includes depictions of urban decay, corruption, and moral ambiguity.
Is K.O. Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not suitable. Due to relentless violence, disturbing imagery, and adult subject matter, this film is completely inappropriate for pre-teens. The emotional weight and brutal realism are not age-appropriate.
Ages 13–16: Not recommended. Even older teens may find K.O. too violent and intense. While it avoids explicit sexual content, its gritty portrayal of crime, guilt, and bloodshed is best suited to adult viewers. Some mature 17-year-olds familiar with action thrillers may handle it, but parental discretion is strongly advised.
K.O. is an emotionally and physically intense action thriller, and its TV-MA rating is justified. It is recommended only for viewers aged 17 and up.
What Parents Can Do
Preview the Film: Parents should consider watching K.O. first or reviewing detailed summaries to determine if older teens can handle the content.
Discuss the Themes: If older teens view it, talk about redemption, guilt, and the real-world consequences of violence.
Contextualize the Violence: Emphasize that the brutal action is dramatized and should not be emulated or glamorized.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for K.O.?
A: The film is rated TV-MA for intense violence, strong language, and mature themes.
Q: Is K.O. suitable for kids or teens?
A: No. The movie is designed for adults and is not recommended for viewers under 17.
Q: Does K.O. contain graphic violence?
A: Yes. The movie features brutal MMA combat, shootings, and scenes of injury and death.
Q: Is there nudity or sexual content?
A: No. Sexual content is minimal and not explicit. The film focuses on violence and emotional tension.
Q: Where can I watch K.O.?
A: K.O. will be available exclusively on Netflix starting June 6, 2025.