Kryptic is a 2024 Canadian horror thriller directed by Kourtney Roy and starring Chloe Pirrie in a haunting dual role.
Pirrie plays Barb Valentine, a cryptid hunter who vanishes while searching for the elusive Sooka, and Kay, a woman whose identity is wiped clean after her eerie encounter with the forest creature.
What follows is a deeply psychological and surreal journey, as Kay becomes entangled in a quest for meaning in the aftermath of memory loss and supernatural trauma.
The film blends horror mythology with psychological suspense, unfolding in shadowy forests and disorienting liminal spaces.
With its moody cinematography, layered performances, and disturbing themes, Kryptic is more than just a monster movie — it’s a meditation on identity, obsession, and the unknown.
Kryptic Age Rating
Kryptic is rated R by the MPAA for sexual content, language, some bloody violence, graphic nudity, and drug use. Here’s what parents should know about each category:
Violence
The film includes unsettling scenes involving blood and physical harm. While not excessively gory, there are several sequences showing wounds, disappearances, and attacks connected to the mysterious Sooka.
One scene features a disoriented character stumbling through the woods with injuries. Tension builds through dread, not jump scares, with occasional shocking moments.
Language
Strong profanity appears throughout the film, including repeated use of the f-word and other explicit terms. The dialogue is raw and reflective of intense psychological distress and adult interactions.
Sexual Content
There are scenes of sexual activity, portrayed with realism and emotional complexity. The film includes brief but graphic nudity during intimate moments. These scenes are not gratuitous but are intense and may be uncomfortable for younger viewers.
Mature Themes
Themes of memory loss, existential despair, identity fragmentation, and obsession are central. The film’s psychological horror explores how trauma and supernatural phenomena reshape a person’s sense of self.
Drug use is shown in scenes where characters attempt to cope with fear or confusion. Some imagery may be disturbing, especially for impressionable viewers.
Is Kryptic Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not suitable. The film’s graphic nudity, bloody violence, and disturbing psychological elements are too intense for preteens. The pacing and themes would likely confuse or unsettle younger viewers.
Ages 13–16: Not recommended. Even for mature teens, Kryptic may be too emotionally heavy and visually explicit. The sexual content, drug use, and abstract storytelling make it challenging and potentially disturbing for teen audiences, especially those not accustomed to psychological horror.
Kryptic is best reserved for adult viewers due to its mature subject matter and unsettling atmosphere. It is not recommended for teens under 17.
What Parents Can Do
Preview the Film: Parents should consider watching the film in advance to determine if their older teens can handle its themes and imagery.
Talk About Identity and Memory: Use the film as a springboard to discuss personal identity, trauma, and how media portrays psychological struggles.
Set Viewing Expectations: Ensure teens understand that the film’s monster metaphor is rooted in adult psychological themes, not fantasy horror entertainment.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Kryptic?
A: The film is rated R for sexual content, language, some bloody violence, graphic nudity, and drug use.
Q: Is Kryptic appropriate for teens?
A: No, the film is intended for adult audiences and not recommended for viewers under 17.
Q: Does Kryptic contain graphic violence or gore?
A: It includes some bloody and disturbing imagery, but the horror is more psychological than gory.
Q: Is there nudity or sex in the film?
A: Yes, the film contains brief but graphic nudity and sexual content.