Mouse is a 2026 American coming-of-age drama film directed by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson and written by Kelly O’Sullivan. The film stars Sophie Okonedo, Katherine Mallen Kupferer, Chloe Coleman, Iman Vellani, David Hyde Pierce, and Tara Mallen. Produced on a modest $3 million budget, the emotionally rich drama premiered in the Panorama section of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival on February 13, 2026.
Set during the summer of 2002 in North Little Rock, Arkansas, the story follows Minnie, a bright but lonely teenager whose best friend, Callie, is killed in a tragic car accident just before their senior year of high school.
As Minnie struggles with overwhelming grief, she forms an unexpected friendship with Callie’s grieving mother, Helen. The film explores loss, healing, friendship, and family while offering a thoughtful look at how people process tragedy at different stages of life. Principal photography took place on location in Little Rock, giving the film an authentic early-2000s atmosphere.
Mouse Age Rating
Mouse is officially rated R by the Motion Picture Association (MPA) for language, some sexual references, and teen drinking. While the movie contains very little physical violence, its frequent strong language, underage alcohol use, mature conversations, and emotionally intense themes make it more appropriate for older teenagers and adults. Parents should also consider the film’s realistic portrayal of grief following the sudden death of a teenager.
Violence & Peril
The film contains very little on-screen violence. The central tragedy involves the sudden death of a teenage girl in a car accident, but the crash itself is not graphically depicted. Instead, the emotional aftermath becomes the primary focus. Characters experience intense grief, depression, emotional breakdowns, and difficult conversations about death and loss. There are scenes of crying, mourning, funerals, and emotional distress that may be deeply affecting for sensitive viewers. The overall atmosphere is melancholic rather than frightening.
Language
Strong language is used frequently throughout the film. Teenagers and adults regularly use profanity during emotional conversations and everyday interactions, reflecting the realistic dialogue of the setting. Multiple uses of stronger curse words contribute significantly to the film’s R rating. There are also occasional crude jokes and insults.
Mature Themes
Grief is the film’s dominant theme, with nearly every major character coping with the loss of a loved one. The story also explores depression, loneliness, guilt, family relationships, identity, and emotional healing. Underage drinking is shown during high school parties, and alcohol consumption plays a role in several social scenes. Characters make sexual references and discuss teenage relationships, puberty, and attraction, but there are no explicit sex scenes or nudity. Smoking may appear briefly in period-appropriate settings but is not emphasized.
Is Mouse Suitable for Teens?
Ages 13–15: No. Although the film contains little violence, its R-rated language, teen drinking, and emotionally heavy subject matter make it unsuitable for most younger teens. The realistic portrayal of grief may also be difficult for viewers in this age group.
Ages 16–17: With Guidance. Mature older teenagers may appreciate the film’s emotional storytelling and thoughtful performances. Parents should be aware of the frequent profanity, discussions of sexuality, alcohol use, and the intense exploration of loss.
Ages 18 and Up: Yes. Adults and mature older teens are the ideal audience. The film delivers a moving, character-driven story that focuses more on emotional realism than sensational drama.
Overall recommendation: Mouse is best suited for viewers 16 years and older, with parental guidance recommended for older teens despite its official R rating.
What Parents Can Do
- Prepare teenagers for the film’s realistic portrayal of grief, bereavement, and emotional healing after the sudden loss of a friend.
- Discuss the consequences of underage drinking and how alcohol is portrayed within the story’s coming-of-age setting.
- Encourage conversations about healthy ways to cope with loss, seek support, and express difficult emotions after watching the film.
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Mouse (2026)?
A: Mouse is officially Rated R by the MPA for language, some sexual references, and teen drinking.
Q: Is Mouse suitable for kids or younger teens?
A: No. The film’s strong language, mature themes, and emotional intensity make it better suited for older teens and adults.
Q: Is there any violence in Mouse?
A: Violence is minimal, but the story revolves around the aftermath of a fatal car accident. The emotional impact of death and grief is much stronger than any physical violence.
Q: Does the movie contain strong language?
A: Yes. Frequent strong profanity is one of the primary reasons the film received its R rating.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A: There are sexual references and discussions about teenage relationships and puberty, but there are no explicit sex scenes or nudity.
Official Page: Mouse