Self-Help (2025) is an American horror/thriller drama with dark comedy. It is directed by Erik Bloomquist, who co-wrote the screenplay with Carson Bloomquist. The film stars Landry Bender, Jake Weber, Madison Lintz, Amy Hargreaves, and Blaque Fowler. The story follows Olivia, who infiltrates a cult-like self-actualisation group after her estranged mother becomes romantically involved with the group’s charismatic leader.
The film premiered at festival screenings in 2025, including Chattanooga Film Festival and FrightFest London, and had a limited release around October 31, 2025. Self-Help blends unsettling horror set pieces with family drama and sardonic humour. The guide follows the Cineparenting parents format for clear, parent-focused content.
Self-Help Age Rating
Self-Help is rated R by the MPAA for strong bloody violent content, sexual content and language. This rating indicates the film contains material intended for adult viewers and may be inappropriate for most children and younger teens. Parents should note the specific callouts: explicit gore in some scenes, sexual situations, and frequent strong profanity. The R rating signals that parental guidance or restriction is likely necessary.
Violence & Peril
The film contains multiple scenes of bloody, visceral violence. Some kills are gruesome and shown on screen, while other threats build with tense, suspenseful stalking. There is a masked antagonist and moments of sudden, startling action that create a high level of fear. The tone mixes horror shocks with psychological unease and creeping cult rituals.
Language
Language is frequent and strong throughout the film. Characters use multiple profanities in heated arguments and confrontations. There are crude sexual references and adult banter that contribute to the mature tone. No specific racial-slur pattern is highlighted in available notes, though strong language is persistent.
Mature Themes
Self-Help explores cult dynamics, manipulation, trauma, and identity. The story includes sexual content, intimate scenes, and sexual situations connected to the program’s methods. Substance use and psychological coercion appear as part of the group’s practices. The film also examines fraught family relationships and long-standing emotional wounds.
Is Self-Help Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The film’s intense violence, gore, sexual content, and adult language make it inappropriate for preteens. The themes of cult manipulation and trauma are disturbing for this age group. Parents should not allow viewing by children in this range.
Ages 13–15: With Guidance — leaning No. Younger teens may find the film distressing and frightening. Scenes of blood, masked attackers, and adult sexual situations are likely too mature. If a parent considers allowing it, they should pre-screen and be prepared to discuss trauma, consent, and manipulation.
Ages 16–17: With Guidance — possibly Yes for mature viewers. Older teens who handle horror well and have parental context may watch this with guidance. Parents should discuss the film’s portrayal of coercion and family breakdown before viewing. Given the R rating and gore, most parents will prefer to wait until 17+.
Final age recommendation: Suitable for viewers 17 and older; restricted for younger teens and not appropriate for children.
What Parents Can Do
- Preview the film yourself before allowing teens to watch. Note the explicit scenes and identify moments you might want to skip or discuss.
- Prepare a short talk about cult dynamics, consent, and emotional manipulation to frame the film. Encourage questions afterwards.
- Use the film as a conversation starter about family trauma, seeking help, and how support systems can be misused.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the MPAA rating for Self-Help?
A: Self-Help is rated R by the MPAA for strong bloody violent content, sexual content and language.
Q: Is Self-Help appropriate for teens?
A: It is generally not appropriate for younger teens. Older teens (16–17) might watch with parental guidance, but the film is best suited to adults.
Q: Are there scary or violent scenes?
A: Yes. The film includes bloody, on-screen kills, jump scares, and a masked antagonist. Expect intense horror sequences.
Q: How strong is the language?
A: Language is frequent and strong throughout the film, including repeated profanities and crude sexual references.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A: The film contains sexual content linked to the group’s methods and intimate situations; this contributes to the R rating.
Q: Where did Self-Help premiere, and how can I watch it?
A: Self-Help premiered at film festivals in 2025, including Chattanooga Film Festival and FrightFest London. It had a limited release around October 31, 2025.