Power Trip (2026) is an American suspense thriller short film directed by Patrick Willems and written by Matthew Kelly. The film stars Amir Arison, Julia Knitel.
It runs approximately 26 minutes and unfolds almost entirely inside a rideshare vehicle. The story follows a routine trip that turns increasingly threatening when a tense exchange between a driver and passenger spirals into a psychological battle.
As boundaries disappear and hidden motives emerge, both characters become trapped in an escalating struggle for control. The film was produced by Nebula Motion Picture Studios and Sub/Liminal Productions.
It had its theatrical debut in September 2026, including qualifying screenings at select AMC Theatres.
Power Trip Age Rating
Power Trip is officially rated R by the MPA for “language.” The rating indicates that strong adult language is the primary content concern. The film’s confined setting and psychological tension add intensity, although it does not rely on graphic violence, sexual material, or nudity.
Violence & Peril
Violence is not the main focus of Power Trip. The suspense comes primarily from the increasingly uncomfortable interaction between the driver and passenger. The confined rideshare setting creates a strong sense of danger and helplessness as the situation escalates.
The film may include threatening behavior, intimidation, confrontational moments, and implied physical danger. However, it does not appear to depend on graphic blood, gore, or prolonged violent sequences. The psychological threat is more important than physical brutality.
Language
Language is the biggest concern for parents. The MPA specifically rates the film R for language, meaning strong profanity is used enough to warrant an R classification.
The dialogue contains repeated adult profanity and harsh expressions. Much of the language also contributes to the film’s aggressive and confrontational atmosphere.
Mature Themes
The film explores psychological manipulation, personal boundaries, intimidation, mistrust, and power struggles. Its story places two people in an enclosed vehicle where an ordinary interaction becomes increasingly disturbing.
The themes can feel intense because the characters have limited space and few options to escape the situation. Younger viewers may also find the portrayal of interpersonal threats and psychological pressure uncomfortable.
Sexual Content & Nudity
There is no significant sexual content or graphic nudity described for Power Trip. The film’s mature rating is not based on sexual material.
However, the uncomfortable relationship between the characters may include discussions or behavior involving personal boundaries. These moments are presented as part of the film’s psychological tension rather than sexual content.
Substance Use
Substance use does not appear to be a significant content concern in the film. The available rating information identifies language as the sole reason for the MPA’s R classification.
Is Power Trip Suitable for Teens?
Ages 13–15: No. The R rating and frequent strong language make the film unsuitable for younger teenagers. The intense psychological confrontation may also be uncomfortable for this age group.
Ages 16–17: With Guidance. Mature older teenagers may be able to handle the short film’s psychological themes. However, parents should be aware that strong profanity is the main reason for the R rating.
Ages 18+: Yes. Adults should have no difficulty with the film’s mature language and suspense-driven themes if they are comfortable with intense psychological confrontations.
Final recommendation: Power Trip is best suited for older teens with parental guidance and adults, primarily because of its strong language and intense psychological atmosphere.
What Parents Can Do
- Explain that the film uses strong language and psychological tension rather than graphic violence to create suspense.
- Talk with younger viewers about personal boundaries, intimidation, and recognizing uncomfortable situations.
- Discuss how the confined setting increases tension and influences the characters’ decisions.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: Why is the Power Trip Rated R?
A: Power Trip is rated R by the MPA for language. Strong adult profanity is the primary reason for the classification.
Q: Is Power Trip suitable for kids?
A: No. The R-rated language and intense psychological confrontation make it unsuitable for children.
Q: Is Power Trip suitable for teenagers?
A: Older teenagers may be able to watch it with parental guidance, but younger teens are not recommended to watch it because of the strong language.
Q: Does Power Trip contain violence or scary scenes?
A: The film does not focus on graphic violence or gore. Its suspense comes from psychological pressure, intimidation, perceived danger, and the claustrophobic rideshare setting.
Q: Where can I watch Power Trip?
A: The short film had theatrical screenings beginning in September 2026, including qualifying screenings at select AMC Theatres. Wider digital or streaming availability should be confirmed through official sources.