Rebuilding (2025) is an American drama set in the modern West. It was written and directed by Max Walker-Silverman. The film stars Josh O’Connor, Meghann Fahy, Lily LaTorre, Kali Reis, and Amy Madigan.
The story follows Dusty, a Colorado rancher who loses his farm in a wildfire and must rebuild his life in a FEMA camp. The film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and will be released in U.S. theaters by Bleecker Street on November 7, 2025.
Rebuilding Age Rating
Rebuilding (2025) is rated PG by the MPAA for thematic elements, some drug material, and brief language. This classification reflects the film’s sensitive and restrained approach to adult themes rather than explicit or graphic content. While the story deals with mature ideas such as loss and displacement, it does so in a gentle, human-centered way that is suitable for most audiences. The rating notes a few instances of stronger language and brief references to drugs, but overall the tone remains thoughtful and subdued.
Violence & Peril
The film contains mild to moderate peril, with its most intense moments centered on an environmental disaster. A devastating wildfire destroys the main character’s ranch and sets the story in motion. Importantly, there are no extended action sequences, graphic injuries, or violent confrontations. Instead, the film focuses on the aftermath of destruction, the quiet grief that follows, and the long emotional process of recovery.
Language
Language use in Rebuilding is brief and occasional, consisting of short bursts of stronger words that are not repeated often. These moments are used naturally in dialogue rather than for shock value. The overall level of profanity is low, making the film accessible to teens and families who are prepared for occasional coarse language.
Mature Themes
Thematically, the film engages with grief, displacement, economic struggle, and the trauma faced by communities recovering from natural disasters. Scenes depict life inside a FEMA camp and the challenges of rebuilding both personal identity and relationships after great loss. There are also brief references to drug material, though the subject is not presented in detail. Importantly, the film avoids sexual content and nudity, maintaining a focus on emotional and communal resilience.
Is Rebuilding Suitable for Teens?
(Adapted for an adult/teen film)
Ages 7–12: No. The themes of loss, displacement, and discussions of drug material are too mature for younger children. The film’s quiet tone and slow pace also make it a poor fit for this age group.
Ages 13–15: With guidance. Mature teens can understand the emotional arc, but parents should be present to discuss grief and community recovery. Some brief language and references to drug material mean a pre-screen is recommended.
Ages 16–17+: Yes — with context. Older teens will likely appreciate the film’s emotional realism and restrained performances. The PG rating and gentle handling of mature themes make it appropriate for most older teens, especially after a short conversation about wildfire trauma and addiction references.
Final recommendation: Suitable for older teens (16+) with brief parental discussion. For younger teens (13–15), watch together or pre-screen first.
What Parents Can Do
- Pre-screen or watch together. The film’s tone is meditative; seeing it first helps parents judge emotional impact.
- Talk about wildfires and trauma. Use the movie to discuss how communities rebuild after disasters and how people cope with loss.
- Discuss practical safety and resources. If a child is affected by real natural disasters, provide real-world context and resources for help.
FAQs
Q: What is Rebuilding rated and why?
A: Rebuilding is rated PG for thematic elements, some drug material, and brief language. The rating reflects mature themes handled gently.
Q: Is Rebuilding appropriate for kids or teens?
A: Younger children (under 13) should not watch it. Older teens (16+) can usually watch with context and brief parental discussion.
Q: Are there scary or violent scenes?
A: There is no graphic violence. The most intense material is the wildfire’s aftermath and scenes of loss. Tension is emotional rather than physical.
Q: Does the film contain strong language or sexual content?
A: There is some brief strong language. No significant sexual content or nudity is reported.
Q: Where and when will Rebuilding be released?
A: The film premiered at Sundance 2025 and is scheduled for a limited U.S. release by Bleecker Street on November 7, 2025.
Q: Who stars in Rebuilding?
A: The film is led by Josh O’Connor, with Meghann Fahy, Lily LaTorre, Kali Reis, and Amy Madigan in supporting roles.