The Bluff is a 2026 American action-thriller set in the 19th-century Caribbean, blending swashbuckling adventure with gritty survival drama. The film is directed by Frank E. Flowers and written by Frank E. Flowers and Joe Ballarini.
The cast is led by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Karl Urban, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Safia Oakley-Green, and Temuera Morrison.
The story follows Ercell “Bloody Mary” Bodden, a retired pirate living quietly in the Cayman Islands. Her fragile peace collapses when enemies from her violent past track her down, forcing her to fight again to protect her family.
The film is produced by AGBO and is scheduled for a global release on Prime Video on February 25, 2026.
The Bluff Age Rating
The Bluff is officially rated R for strong bloody violence and pervasive language. The MPAA rating reflects the film’s graphic combat, realistic injuries, and intense tone. This is not a light pirate adventure, but a brutal survival story aimed squarely at adults.
Violence & Peril
Violence is strong, frequent, and graphic. The film includes close-quarters sword fights, stabbing, slashing, and hand-to-hand combat with visible bloodshed. Characters suffer serious injuries, and the threat of death is constant. The home-invasion style conflict adds sustained tension and fear.
Language
Strong profanity is used throughout, consistent with R-rated action films. While specific slurs are not emphasized, harsh and aggressive language appears during confrontations and emotional moments.
Mature Themes
The film explores revenge, past trauma, and the cost of violence on family life. Alcohol consumption is shown in a historical pirate context, including rum drinking. There is no focus on sexual content or nudity, but the emotional stakes and brutality make the themes heavy.
Is The Bluff Suitable for Teens?
Ages 13–15: No. The graphic violence, bloodshed, and relentless peril make the film inappropriate for younger teens.
Ages 16–17: With Guidance. Older teens may handle the themes, but the intense gore and adult tone may still be disturbing. Parental discretion is strongly advised.
Ages 18+: Yes. This film is best suited for adults who enjoy gritty historical action and dark survival thrillers.
Overall recommendation: Suitable for adults 18 and up only.
What Parents Can Do
- Set expectations before watching. Let teens know this is not a fun pirate adventure, but a brutal survival story with graphic combat and emotional intensity.
- Talk about cycles of violence. Use Ercell’s past to discuss how revenge and unresolved trauma can follow people and affect their families.
- Reflect on protection versus brutality. After viewing, ask whether violence truly keeps loved ones safe, or if it leaves lasting emotional damage.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for The Bluff (2026)?
A: The film is rated R for strong bloody violence and pervasive language.
Q: Is The Bluff appropriate for kids?
A: No. The graphic violence and intense tone make it unsuitable for children.
Q: Is The Bluff suitable for teens?
A: Only older teens with parental guidance. It is primarily intended for adults.
Q: Are there scary or violent scenes?
A: Yes. The film contains frequent, realistic sword fights with blood and serious injuries.
Q: Does the film include sexual content?
A: There is no significant sexual content, but the themes and violence are very mature.
Q: Where can I watch The Bluff?
A: The film will stream globally on Prime Video starting February 25, 2026.