Orwell: 2+2=5 is a 2025 French-American documentary from director Raoul Peck. It surveys George Orwell’s life and the modern relevance of his ideas.
The film is narrated by Damian Lewis and blends archival footage with present-day imagery. It premiered at Cannes on May 17, 2025, and opens in U.S. theaters on October 3, 2025, via NEON.
Orwell: 2+2=5 Age Rating
Orwell: 2+2=5 is rated R (MPA) for some violent content and brief graphic nudity. Expect mature historical material, including distressing real-world images and clips that depict torture from screen adaptations of 1984. No TV rating has been issued; the theatrical R applies to U.S. releases.
Violence & Peril
The documentary uses archival footage of conflict, repression, and police clashes. Sequences from 1984 adaptations show interrogation and torture, which some viewers will find upsetting. There is no gore focus, but the realism and context are intense.
Language
Profanity is not a stated ratings factor. Expect harsh political rhetoric, slogans, and quotes tied to propaganda. Any strong language appears within historical clips rather than stylized swearing sprees.
Mature Themes
Themes include totalitarianism, censorship, surveillance, propaganda, and abuses of power. The film links Orwell’s work to current politics and media environments. Brief graphic nudity appears in a historical or illustrative context. Occasional smoking may appear in archival footage.
Is Orwell: 2+2=5 Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The heavy subject matter and torture imagery are too intense.
Ages 13–15: With Guidance. Historically important, but the R-rated content and disturbing clips warrant close parental discussion.
Ages 16–17: Yes, with context. Mature teens interested in civics, history, or media literacy will benefit most.
Final recommendation: Best for 16–17 with guidance; ideal for adults and classrooms with supervision.
What Parents Can Do
Prep the context. Review Orwell’s 1984 basics and define terms like Newspeak and doublethink before viewing.
Practice media literacy. Discuss propaganda, euphemisms, and how language can distort truth in news and social media today.
Decompress after. Ask which scenes felt most disturbing and why, and connect them to real historical events.
Official Trailer
FAQs
1) What is the age rating for Orwell: 2+2=5?
It is rated R for some violent content and brief graphic nudity (MPA).
2) Is it appropriate for kids or younger teens?
Not for kids. Mature teens may watch with guidance due to intense archival material and complex themes.
3) How violent or scary is it?
Violence comes through real historical footage and 1984 torture scenes; there is no gore focus, but intensity is high.
4) Does it have strong language or slurs?
Language is not a listed ratings reason; expect forceful political rhetoric more than profanity.
5) Is there sexual content or nudity?
There is brief graphic nudity in a historical or illustrative context; no sexual storyline.
6) Where can I watch it?
It opens in select U.S. theaters on October 3, 2025 via NEON; streaming has not been announced yet.