The Storm is a 2026 Swedish dark comedy–drama written and directed by Josephine Bornebusch, who also stars in the film. The cast includes Gustaf Skarsgård, Aliette Opheim, Filip Berg, Jonas Karlsson, Johan Rheborg, Sara Shirpey, and Henrik Dorsin.
The story follows Filip, who invites his closest friends to celebrate his 45th birthday at a luxurious farm estate in northern Sweden.
Their elegant gathering takes an unexpected turn when a powerful storm traps everyone inside and cuts them off from the outside world.
As the group becomes increasingly isolated, old resentments, relationship problems, and hidden betrayals begin to emerge. Produced by Warner Bros.
International Television Production Sweden, the film had a limited Swedish theatrical release on October 2, 2026, before its worldwide Netflix release on October 15, 2026.
The Storm Age Rating
Netflix rates The Storm TV-MA, meaning the film is intended for mature audiences and may not be suitable for viewers under 17. The rating is appropriate because the story contains strong profanity, heavy alcohol consumption, recreational substance references, infidelity, adult relationship problems, psychological distress, and storm-related peril.
Violence & Peril
The violence is moderate, with most of the tension coming from the dangerous weather and the characters’ increasingly unstable situation. The storm creates physical threats as the group becomes trapped and isolated inside the remote property.
The film also contains intense arguments and emotional confrontations. Characters become increasingly distressed as they realize they cannot simply leave the estate.
The atmosphere can become frightening because the characters are cut off from the outside world. However, the film’s main focus remains interpersonal conflict rather than graphic physical violence.
Language
The language is strong and frequent. Characters use profanity, crude remarks, insults, and aggressive language during arguments.
The increasingly stressful circumstances cause conversations to become heated. Some dialogue is particularly harsh as characters reveal personal grievances and confront one another.
Parents should therefore expect regular adult language throughout the film rather than occasional mild profanity.
Mature Themes
The mature themes are strong and form a central part of the story. The film explores infidelity, broken marriages, secret relationships, emotional cruelty, resentment, betrayal, and the consequences of keeping secrets.
The characters’ relationships come under increasing pressure as they remain trapped together. Romantic and sexual issues are discussed openly as hidden affairs and personal betrayals come to light.
Alcohol use is also significant. The characters drink socially during the birthday gathering, with consumption increasing as the storm continues and tensions rise. Some characters become intoxicated, which contributes to impulsive behavior and emotional confrontations.
The film also includes references to recreational drug use or substance consumption. These elements are connected to the adults’ attempts to cope with the stressful situation and their loss of inhibitions.
Psychological distress is another important theme. Characters experience panic, claustrophobia, anger, anxiety, emotional breakdowns, and fear as the storm prevents them from escaping.
There may also be suggestive conversations and adult romantic situations. Parents should expect the film to deal openly with relationships and sexuality, even when the material is presented through dark comedy.
Is The Storm Suitable for Teens?
Ages 13–15: No. The Storm is not recommended for younger teenagers. Strong language, heavy drinking, substance references, infidelity, and intense adult relationship problems make the film unsuitable for this age group.
Ages 16–17: With Guidance. Older teenagers may watch the film with parental guidance if they are comfortable with mature relationship themes. Parents should also be prepared for strong profanity, intoxication, substance references, and psychological distress.
Ages 18+: Yes. The film is designed for adult audiences and carries a TV-MA rating on Netflix. Its mature themes are primarily aimed at viewers who can understand the complicated relationships and emotional conflicts.
Final recommendation: The Storm is best suited for viewers aged 18 and older, while mature older teens should watch with parental guidance.
What Parents Can Do
- Discuss healthy relationships: The film can open conversations about trust, communication, infidelity, and the consequences of hiding serious problems.
- Talk about alcohol and substances: Explain that intoxication and substance use can affect judgment and make already difficult situations more dangerous.
- Prepare for emotional intensity: Younger viewers may find the storm and constant arguments stressful. Parents can discuss how characters respond to fear, isolation, and conflict.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for The Storm on Netflix?
A: The Storm is rated TV-MA on Netflix. It contains strong language, heavy drinking, substance references, infidelity, psychological distress, and mature themes.
Q: Is The Storm suitable for kids?
A: No. The film is intended for mature audiences and deals extensively with adult relationships, substance use, profanity, and emotional conflict.
Q: Is The Storm suitable for teenagers?
A: Older teens may watch it with parental guidance, but it is not recommended for younger teenagers. The TV-MA rating reflects its strong adult content.
Q: Does The Storm contain violence or scary scenes?
A: The film contains moderate peril from the severe storm and an increasingly tense atmosphere. Much of the intensity comes from isolation, panic, arguments, and emotional confrontations.
Q: Where can I watch The Storm?
A: The Storm premieres globally on Netflix on October 15, 2026, following a limited Swedish theatrical release on October 2, 2026.