XENO is a 2025 American sci-fi adventure film set to be released in theaters across the U.S. and Canada on September 19, 2025. Directed by Alex Garland, the film stars Lulu Wilson as Renee Rowan, a brave teen who discovers a powerful connection with a mysterious alien.
Set in the vast deserts of the American Southwest, the story follows Renee as she stumbles upon a strange alien creature—one that the government sees as a threat. While others fear it, Renee learns to understand and protect the being, all while dealing with her painful family issues.
Mixing intense action and heartfelt emotion, XENO takes inspiration from beloved classics like E.T. and The Iron Giant, and explores deep themes such as trust, empathy, and finding strength in unlikely friendships.
XENO Age Rating
Reason: Violent content/bloody images, thematic elements, and some strong language.
Here’s a breakdown of what parents should know before watching XENO with kids or teens:
Violence & Peril
The film includes several scenes with sci-fi action and chase sequences involving the alien and government agents. There are moments of mild to moderate violence, including the use of weapons, minor alien attacks, and a few scenes with bloody injuries. Nothing is overly graphic, but some moments may startle sensitive viewers.
Language
There is occasional strong language, including a few uses of common swear words. It’s not frequent, but it may be noticeable to younger audiences.
Mature Themes
The film touches on serious emotional themes, including:
- A depressed parent struggling to cope
- Domestic tension involving an abusive boyfriend (implied, not shown in graphic detail)
- The loneliness of adolescence and bonding with a misunderstood creature
While handled with care, these topics may be emotionally heavy for some viewers.
Is XENO Suitable for Kids and Teens?
Ages 8–12: Use caution. While younger tweens may enjoy the sci-fi adventure, the family drama and emotional tension, plus some scary scenes and injury visuals, might be too intense for sensitive viewers.
Ages 13–17: Yes, recommended. Most teens will connect with the story, action, and character-driven emotion. The film’s themes are relatable for older kids, and the content is generally safe within PG-13 limits.
Overall: XENO is a great choice for teens and mature tweens who enjoy sci-fi with heart. It balances excitement with emotion and offers a strong, positive lead character.
What Parents Can Do
Watch Together: Younger viewers may have questions about the emotional or scary parts. Watching together allows for helpful conversations.
Talk About Empathy: Use the film as a chance to discuss understanding others who seem “different” or “dangerous.”
Prepare Sensitive Viewers: Let younger kids know there will be some intense moments, but that the story has hope at its core.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for XENO?
A: It’s rated PG-13 for violent content, bloody images, thematic elements, and some strong language.
Q: Is XENO too scary for kids?
A: It may be intense for kids under 10, but most scenes are more suspenseful than graphic.
Q: Does XENO have any sexual content?
A: No. There are no sexual scenes or nudity in the film.
Q: Is XENO appropriate for a family movie night?
A: Yes, for families with older kids or teens. It’s exciting, emotional, and thought-provoking.
Q: When and where can I watch XENO?
A: XENO will be released in theaters on September 19, 2025 across the U.S. and Canada.