Merrily We Roll Along (2025) is a filmed capture of Maria Friedman’s acclaimed Broadway revival of the Stephen Sondheim musical.
The production was directed for the stage by Maria Friedman and the filmed capture preserves her staging and camera work. The cast features Jonathan Groff as Franklin Shepard, Daniel Radcliffe as Charley Kringas, and Lindsay Mendez as Mary Flynn.
The story follows three friends over two decades, told in reverse chronological order, and the film is scheduled for theatrical release beginning December 5, 2025.
Merrily We Roll Along Age Rating
Merrily We Roll Along is rated MPAA PG-13 for drug use, some strong language, and smoking. This MPAA rating reflects moderate mature content that may not be suitable for younger children but is intended for teens and adults.
The filmed capture keeps the musical’s emotional and thematic complexity intact while using close camera work to emphasize performances and intimacy. The film is being distributed in the U.S. by Sony Pictures Classics in partnership with Fathom Entertainment and will play in theaters worldwide starting December 5, 2025.
Violence & Peril
Violence in Merrily We Roll Along is minimal and is not the film’s central focus. There are emotional confrontations and moments of industry pressure that create tension. Any peril is psychological or interpersonal rather than physical. Parents should know the tone can feel heavy because characters face real-world disappointments and moral compromises.
Language
The film contains some strong language and profanity, used sparingly but in moments of emotional intensity. Language is naturalistic and tied to the characters’ frustration and heartbreak. There are no pervasive slurs or sustained abusive language. Expect occasional coarse words in scenes of anger or despair.
Mature Themes
Merrily We Roll Along explores adult themes such as ambition, artistic compromise, careerism, and the erosion of friendships. The film also depicts drug use and on-screen smoking, which contributed to its PG-13 rating. Romantic and sexual content is implied rather than explicit, and nudity is not a feature. The story’s sadness and regret may resonate strongly with teens who are sensitive to emotional drama.
Is Merrily We Roll Along Suitable for Teens?
Ages 8–12: No. The film’s themes of compromise, substance use, and adult relationships are not suitable for younger children. Emotional complexity and some coarse language make this a poor fit for preteens.
Ages 13–15: With Guidance. Teens in this range may understand the plot but could be unsettled by the film’s melancholy tone and mature themes. Parents should watch with them or pre-screen to decide if the emotional content is appropriate.
Ages 16–17: Yes, with context. Older teens can likely follow the reverse narrative and the moral questions it raises. Viewing with a parent or guardian is recommended so you can discuss career choices, integrity, and the cost of success.
Final recommendation: We suggest age 16+ as a reasonable baseline for solo viewing. Younger teens (13–15) may watch with parental guidance.
What Parents Can Do
- Preview the film first. The cinematic capture emphasizes small emotional beats that can feel intense, so watching it yourself helps you judge tone and readiness.
- Talk about ambition and compromise before or after viewing. Ask questions such as: “What would you do in Franklin’s place?” and “How might fame change a friendship?”
- Use the film to discuss substance use and smoking. Point out how these choices are shown as part of the characters’ coping and not glamorized.
FAQs
Q1: What is the MPAA rating for Merrily We Roll Along?
A1: Merrily We Roll Along is rated PG-13 for drug use, some strong language, and smoking.
Q2: Is Merrily We Roll Along appropriate for kids and teens?
A2: It’s not suitable for young children. Teens 16+ can usually watch it, while 13–15-year-olds should have guidance.
Q3: Are there scary or violent scenes?
A3: No major violence or horror. The film contains emotional tension and confrontations, not physical gore.
Q4: Does the film feature strong language or slurs?
A4: There is some strong language used in moments of emotional intensity. There are no pervasive slurs reported.
Q5: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A5: Sexual content is mild and implied. The filmed capture does not feature explicit sexual scenes or nudity.
Q6: Where and when will the film be released?
A6: The filmed production will open in U.S. theaters on December 5, 2025, via Sony Pictures Classics and Fathom Entertainment. International dates follow.