Set in the United States, The Lemurian Candidate (2025) is a comedy-drama with sci-fi flavor written and directed by Casey Cooper Johnson. The cast includes Dakota Shapiro, Oliver Cooper, Ben Groh, Emily Hall, and Sofia Masson.
The story follows three former college friends who reunite to backpack on Mount Shasta; when one introduces hallucinogens, the trip spirals into psychedelic chaos and a quest for alien contact.
Filmed around Mount Shasta, California, the movie runs about 89–90 minutes and is currently listed as unrated/NR. Early show listings include Mt. Shasta Cinema (Sept 19) and a Grand Lake Theater event in Oakland (Sept 23).
The Lemurian Candidate Age Rating
The Lemurian Candidate is rated R for drug use and language throughout. This rating reflects frequent hallucinogen use as a key plot element. Expect recurring profanity across conversations. The tone is trippy and disorienting at times, with brief wilderness peril. There is no indication of graphic violence or explicit sexual content in current materials.
Violence & Peril
Mild to moderate. Some panic, disorientation, and risky choices while hiking. No gore is expected. Nature hazards and confusion create tension rather than brutality.
Language
Strong language appears throughout. Expect frequent profanity in group banter. No confirmed use of slurs in available previews.
Mature Themes
Psychedelic drug use is central. Themes include peer pressure, altered perception, and friendship rifts. Brief alcohol use may appear. No confirmed nudity or sexual situations so far.
Is The Lemurian Candidate Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. Drug use and intense trippy imagery are not suitable.
Ages 13–15: No. The R rating and drug focus push it beyond this range.
Ages 16–17: With Guidance. Older teens may handle it, but discuss drug risks first.
Final recommendation: Best for 16+ with parental guidance due to drug use and pervasive language.
What Parents Can Do
Set expectations about substance use. Explain health risks and legal issues before viewing.
Prepare sensitive viewers. Note disorienting visuals, anxiety spikes, and “alien” visions in the trip scenes.
Debrief after. Talk about peer pressure, consent, and safer decision-making outdoors.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the official age rating?
A: It is rated R for drug use and language throughout.
Q: Is it appropriate for kids or younger teens?
A: No. The R rating, drug content, and intense trippy tone make it unsuitable.
Q: How violent or scary is it?
A: No gore. Expect wilderness tension, confusion, and brief peril during psychedelic episodes.
Q: Does it include strong language or slurs?
A: Strong language is frequent. No confirmed slurs in current marketing.
Q: Any sexual content or nudity?
A: No explicit sexual content is signaled so far.
Q: Where can I watch it?
A: Limited U.S. theatrical release begins September 12, 2025. Streaming is not yet announced.