Mother Mary (2026) is a U.S./Germany co-production and a psychosexual pop thriller. It was written and directed by David Lowery. The film stars Anne Hathaway as the superstar “Mother Mary” and Michaela Coel as Sam Anselm, her estranged costume designer; the ensemble also includes Hunter Schafer, FKA Twigs, Kaia Gerber, Jessica Brown Findlay and others. The premise: a globe-famous pop star who has walked away from her tour reunites with the friend who built her image to create a comeback dress — and long-buried wounds and obsession resurface. A24 will release the film in April 2026.
Mother Mary Age Rating
Mother Mary is rated R for some violent content and language. This R rating indicates the film contains material deemed inappropriate for children under 17 without adult accompaniment. Key content areas are described below using public reporting and the film’s own trailer and press coverage as sources.
Violence & Peril
Violence is present but not described as graphic gore; scenes show tense confrontations and moments of aggressive behavior tied to emotional and psychological conflict. The film’s tone in trailer clips suggests escalating menace and theatrical spectacle rather than prolonged battlefield gore. Expect scenes that create anxiety and unease, especially during high-tension confrontations.
Language
Strong profanity appears in multiple contexts. Dialogue reported in reviews and trailers includes explicit language used during arguments and intense emotional exchanges. Parents should assume frequent use of coarse language, including the f-word.
Mature Themes
Mother Mary centers on adult themes: celebrity pressure, creative rivalry, obsession, sexual tension between the leads, identity and spiritual/ritualistic imagery hinted at in promotional material. The film is described as a “psychosexual” thriller; that phrase and trailer imagery point to explicit sexual tension, suggestive material, and psychological manipulation as story drivers. The soundtrack and on-screen performances are integral to the film’s mood and may amplify emotional intensity.
Is Mother Mary Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The R rating, sexual themes, and intense psychological content make this film inappropriate for preteens. Scenes may be confusing or frightening for younger viewers.
Ages 13–15: Not recommended. Younger teens are likely to find the sexual content, mature themes, and frequent strong language troubling. The film’s psychological tension and implications about relationships and abuse are best handled by older viewers with guidance.
Ages 16–17: With guidance. Mature teens may watch with an engaged adult who can discuss the film’s themes. Even so, parents should be prepared to pause and explain scenes involving manipulation, consent, or disturbing emotional dynamics.
Final recommendation: Mother Mary is best reserved for mature teens (16–17) only with parental guidance, and primarily for adults. The tone, sexual content, and psychological intensity align with an R classification.
What Parents Can Do
- Watch first yourself. The film trades in mood, symbolism, and sexual tension — seeing it ahead of your teen will help you judge appropriateness.
- Prepare talking points. If a teen watches, discuss consent, power imbalance, and how fame shapes choices. Use specific scenes (after viewing) to make points concrete.
- Discuss music and image. The film uses songs and fashion as storytelling tools; talk about how media and image can influence identity and behavior.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the official MPAA rating for Mother Mary?
A: Mother Mary is rated R by the MPA for some violent content and language.
Q: Is Mother Mary appropriate for teens?
A: It is not appropriate for younger teens. Older teens (16–17) may watch with a parent and discussion afterward.
Q: Are there sexual scenes or nudity?
A: The film is described as “psychosexual,” and promotional material implies explicit sexual tension and mature intimacy; parents should expect suggestive material and sexual themes.
Q: How strong is the violence?
A: Violence is present mainly as tense, threatening, and psychologically intense scenes rather than prolonged gore, but it may be disturbing.
Q: Who provides the original music?
A: Original songs are reported to be by Charli XCX, Jack Antonoff, and FKA Twigs; music plays a central role in the film.
Q: Where and when will I be able to watch it?
A: The film is distributed by A24 and is scheduled for theatrical release in April 2026. Check local listings and streaming windows for later availability.