Marked Men: Rule + Shaw is a 2025 American romantic drama directed by Nick Cassavetes and written by Sharon Soboil. The film is based on Jay Crownover’s bestselling 2012 novel Rule, the first entry in her Marked Men book series.
This emotional story follows Shaw Landon, a responsible pre-med student, and Rule Archer, a wild tattoo artist who’s never followed the rules. Shaw has loved Rule in secret for years, but their lives take a turn after an unexpected night together. As they deal with grief, family expectations, and fears about commitment, their bond is tested.
The film stars Chase Stokes as Rule Archer and Sydney Taylor as Shaw Landon, with a strong supporting cast including Alexander Ludwig, Ella Balinska, Evan Mock, Matthew Noszka, Natalie Alyn Lind, and Hannah Kepple.
Marked Men: Rule + Shaw had a limited theatrical release on January 22, 2025, and became available on VOD platforms starting February 27, 2025. It began streaming on Amazon Prime Video in select regions on July 11, 2025.
Marked Men: Rule + Shaw Age Rating
Marked Men is rated R by the MPA for pervasive language, sexual content, some nudity, and brief violence. Below is a detailed breakdown of the content to help parents decide whether this film is right for teen viewers:
Sex & Nudity
- Male bare buttocks are briefly shown in a post-intimacy scene.
- Several romantic and sensual scenes show characters kissing, undressing, and waking up together, though nudity is limited.
- Sexual activity is implied rather than shown in detail. Most scenes fade to black or skip to the next morning.
Violence & Gore
- The film includes a few brief scenes of emotional conflict and a physical altercation.
- There are no graphic injuries or violent visuals.
- Violence is not a central part of the story.
Profanity
- The film contains frequent use of strong language, including the F-word and other expletives.
- Swearing is used casually in dialogue and reflects the edgy, emotional nature of the characters.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
- Characters are shown drinking socially in bars and at parties.
- A few scenes feature casual drinking and brief mentions of past drug use.
- No drug use is depicted on screen, but lifestyle choices are part of the story’s mature themes.
Frightening & Intense Scenes
- Emotional scenes involving grief and heartbreak may be intense for sensitive viewers.
- There are moments of confrontation and sadness but nothing overtly scary or distressing.
Is Marked Men: Rule + Shaw Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not suitable. The film includes sexual content, nudity, and heavy language, making it inappropriate for pre-teens.
Ages 13–15: Not recommended. Although the romantic drama may appeal to younger teens, the mature themes, language, and sensual scenes make this film better suited for older audiences.
Ages 16–17: Possibly appropriate with guidance. Mature older teens who are familiar with similar romantic dramas may relate to the emotional themes. However, parents should be aware of the sexual content and strong language.
Marked Men: Rule + Shaw is best suited for adults and older teens. It’s a heartfelt story of love, loss, and identity, but its mature content means it’s not meant for all teen viewers.
What Parents Should Know
This is a film based on a mature romance novel. Parents of teens who have read the book should know the movie stays close to the book’s emotional tone and adult content.
The sexual content is suggestive but not explicit. Still, the scenes are not meant for younger audiences.
The message is emotional and complex. Themes of grief, love, and growing up are handled with drama and sensitivity.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Marked Men: Rule + Shaw?
A: It is rated R for pervasive language, sexual content, some nudity, and brief violence.
Q: Is there nudity in the film?
A: Yes. One scene includes male rear nudity, and other scenes suggest intimacy without graphic visuals.
Q: Can teens watch this film?
A: The film is not suitable for younger teens. Older teens (16+) may watch with parental guidance.
Q: Is this film faithful to the book?
A: Yes, the film follows the core story of Rule from the Marked Men series closely.
Q: Where can I watch Marked Men: Rule + Shaw?
A: The film is available on Amazon Prime Video and other digital platforms as of February 27, 2025.