Until Dawn is an upcoming American slasher horror film inspired by the 2015 video game of the same name. While set in the same universe, the film tells a standalone story that expands on the game’s mythology. Directed by David F. Sandberg and written by Blair Butler and Gary Dauberman, the film stars Ella Rubin, Michael Cimino, Odessa A’zion, Ji-young Yoo, Belmont Cameli, and Peter Stormare.
Scheduled for release in the United States by Sony Pictures Releasing on April 25, 2025, the film follows Clover and her friends as they search for answers about her sister Melanie’s mysterious disappearance. Their journey leads them into a remote valley where they are horrifically murdered—only to wake up trapped in a terrifying time loop. Each time they die, the killer changes, becoming more monstrous and unpredictable. Their only hope of escape is to survive until dawn.
Until Dawn Age Rating
Until Dawn is rated R for strong bloody horror violence and gore, disturbing/grisly images, pervasive language, some sexual content/nudity, and drug use. Below is a breakdown of the film’s content for parents.
Violence & Gore
As a slasher horror film, Until Dawn features brutal and graphic violence, with intense scenes of murder, torture, and bodily dismemberment. Characters are stabbed, slashed, and brutally attacked, often with extended sequences of suffering. The film includes gruesome imagery such as exposed wounds, severed limbs, and pools of blood. Due to its time-loop element, characters experience multiple violent deaths, making the horror relentless and disturbing. The killers are varied, each bringing unique and terrifying methods of attack, from traditional slasher weapons to supernatural and grotesque forms of execution.
Language
The film contains frequent and strong profanity, including repeated uses of “fk,” “st,” and other explicit language. Characters react to the terror of their situation with heightened emotions, leading to aggressive and panicked speech throughout the film.
Sexual Content & Nudity
There are scenes of sexual content, including implied sex, partial nudity, and sexualized dialogue. A few scenes show characters in intimate situations, though nothing overly explicit is depicted. Nudity is brief but present, including glimpses of topless characters in non-sexual contexts, such as shower scenes.
Drug & Substance Use
Characters are shown consuming alcohol and recreational drugs, including marijuana. Some scenes take place at a party setting where teens are drinking. Drug use is not a central theme, but it is present and may influence the characters’ decision-making in critical moments.
Is Until Dawn Suitable for Teens?
Ages 13-15: Not recommended due to intense slasher violence, gruesome deaths, strong language, and mature themes. The film’s time-loop horror makes the brutality more disturbing than a typical slasher movie.
Ages 16-17: May be suitable for mature teens with parental guidance, especially those familiar with horror films and the video game. However, parents should be aware of the extreme violence, intense scares, and occasional sexual content.
With its graphic violence and intense psychological horror, Until Dawn is best suited for adults and older teens who can handle its disturbing themes and relentless suspense.
What Parents Can Do
Watch the Trailer: Preview the film to assess its level of horror and violence before deciding if it’s suitable for your teen.
Discuss Horror Themes: Talk about the film’s themes of survival, fear, and the psychological impact of being trapped in a loop of violence.
Monitor Sensitivity Levels: If your teen is easily disturbed by gore, jump scares, or psychologically unsettling themes, this film may not be appropriate.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Until Dawn?
A: The film is rated R for strong bloody horror violence and gore, disturbing images, pervasive language, sexual content/nudity, and drug use.
Q: How scary is Until Dawn?
A: It is an intense horror film with relentless violence, terrifying killers, and psychological horror elements due to its time-loop premise.
Q: Does Until Dawn contain sexual content?
A: The film includes some sexual situations, brief nudity, and suggestive dialogue, but nothing overly explicit.
Q: Is Until Dawn appropriate for teenagers?
A: It is best for older teens (16+) who can handle extreme horror violence and disturbing imagery.
Q: Is the film connected to the video game?
A: Yes, the film is set in the same universe as the 2015 video game but tells a new, standalone story.
Until Dawn promises to be a terrifying slasher film that expands upon the game’s legacy. While it will thrill horror fans, parents should be aware of its intense violence, mature themes, and unsettling horror elements before allowing teens to watch.