Night of the Reaper (2025) is a U.S. horror–slasher film with whodunit elements. It blends slasher tropes with a psychological mystery. The movie is directed and written by Brandon Christensen.
The cast includes Jessica Clement, Ryan Robbins, and Summer H. Howell. The film follows teens and young adults in an 1980s-set suburban Halloween as a masked “Reaper” delivers a deadly scavenger hunt. It is not based on a book or a true story. The film was released directly to streaming in 2025.
Night of the Reaper Age Rating
Night of the Reaper is not rated by the MPA, as it is a direct-to-streaming release. However, based on its content — including slasher-style violence, suspense, strong language, and disturbing themes — the film is generally considered suitable for ages 17 and older.
Violence & Peril
Violence level: Moderate (slasher-style, suspense-focused).
The film uses tension and atmosphere rather than continuous gore. There are violent encounters and at least one notably bloody death described as a “nicely surprising bloody death.” Most attacks are framed with suspense, shadows, and off-screen implication. Expect scenes where characters are stalked, chased, and threatened. The threat feels constant in tone, even when explicit gore is limited.
Language
Profanity level: Frequent and strong.
Characters commonly use strong language during stressful moments. Expect multiple uses of coarse profanity throughout the film. There are no noted racial-slur reports in the summary, but frequent explicit words are likely.
Mature Themes
Themes present: suburban crime, stalking, revenge, and psychological cruelty.
The plot centers on a malicious scavenger hunt left by the killer, which can be disturbing. The Halloween setting and 1980s throwback tone add partying and alcohol context. Sexual content is minimal or absent; no explicit nudity is reported. Substance use: light — drinking and party scenes consistent with the era and setting. Smoking is not highlighted in summaries but may appear as part of period detail.
Is Night of the Reaper Suitable for Teens?
Ages 13–15: No. The film’s stalking, murder, and high-tension scares are inappropriate for most early teens. The suspense and sudden violent moments can be emotionally intense.
Ages 15–16: With Guidance. Older mid-teens may handle the suspense if parents prepare them. Careful pre-viewing discussion and watching with an adult are recommended.
Ages 17+: Yes (With Caution). For mature older teens, the movie is generally suitable. Expect strong language, disturbing adult themes, and tense sequences. Viewer maturity and sensitivity to horror matter.
Final recommendation: This film is best for viewers 17 and older. If it were rated by the MPAA, it would most likely be R.
What Parents Can Do
Prepare kids before viewing: describe the main sources of fear — stalking, suspense, and a menacing “Reaper” rather than graphic gore. Explain the scavenger-hunt premise and why it’s disturbing.
Watch together and pause: be ready to stop and discuss tense moments. Use pauses to explain motive, empathy, and how horror uses sound and shadow to scare.
Talk afterwards: discuss real-world safety and boundaries if the film raises concerns about stalking or revenge. Ask what scenes bothered them and why.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age suitability for Night of the Reaper (2025)?
A: The film is usually suitable only for viewers 17 and older due to slasher violence, strong language, and mature themes.
Q: Is Night of the Reaper appropriate for teens?
A: Younger teens should avoid it. Older teens (17+) may watch, but the film’s suspense, stalking, and violent themes make it best for mature audiences.
Q: How scary is Night of the Reaper?
A: The movie builds fear through atmosphere, shadows, and suspenseful tension. Expect stalking, sudden attacks, and at least one bloody death.
Q: Does the film contain strong language?
A: Yes. Frequent profanity is used, especially in moments of fear and stress. No reports of racial slurs are noted.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity in Night of the Reaper?
A: No explicit sexual content or nudity has been reported. The film focuses more on suspense and violence.