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The New Mutants poster

Is The New Mutants OK for Kids?

Science FictionHorror
14+
PG-13⭐ 5.3 / 102020 · 1h 34m
Josh Boone

Where to Watch

United States

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Streaming data by JustWatch

What's In It

Based on the actual screenplay
🗡️Violence
Extreme▼
Moments in the script, mildest → most intense
0
Cartoon / Comedic
1
Action & Peril
2
Injuries & Death Shown
7
Graphic & Disturbing
  • Opening tornado sequence shows buildings collapsing and Dani's father dying while protecting her, played for genuine emotional and physical devastation
  • Sam relives a mining accident flashback where his own explosive blast kills his father and coworkers
  • The demon bear mauls Rahne in a graphic attack with flesh-searing sounds, and later attacks multiple students with bone-crunching sound effects
  • Illyana's sword-fighting memories show her killing 18 men, and she describes being 'beat about half to death' by Reverend Craig
  • Dr. Reyes attempts to kill Dani via injection/sedation disguised as medical treatment
  • Roberto reveals severe burns from his own heat powers after accidentally killing his girlfriend
  • Overall tone mixes psychological trauma with visceral horror-style violence rather than constant action
💬Language
Extreme▼
Moments in the script, mildest → most intense
8
Mild Words
(damn, hell)
8
Moderate
(ass, b**ch)
8
Strong
(sh*t)
12
Extreme
(f**k)
  • F-word/variations used 12 times throughout the film
  • 'S**t' used 8 times and 'b**ch' used 6 times
  • Moderate profanity includes 'da**/damned' (3 times) and 'hell' (5 times), plus 'a**' (2 times)
  • No slurs noted in the extraction, but frequency of strong words is high for a film with teen protagonists
👻Scary Scenes
Extreme▼
Moments in the script, mildest → most intense
0
Mildly Tense
1
Startling Moments
4
Genuinely Scary
5
Deeply Disturbing
  • The opening tornado disaster leaves Dani alone amid chaos and screaming, immediately establishing a disturbing tone
  • Reverend Craig's demonic manifestation in the chapel speaks with a threatening demonic voice aimed at Rahne
  • Illyana's 'Limbo' dimension features tormenting 'Smiling Men' figures tied to implied childhood abuse
  • Dr. Reyes' hypnotic drug session distorts reality with horror visions, and it's later revealed she was trying to kill Dani rather than treat her
  • The full demon bear manifestation hunts students through the facility with multiple jump-scare style attacks
  • Scary content resolves when Dani learns to comfort and control the bear manifestation rather than fight it, turning fear into compassion
💕Romance
Moderate▼
Moments in the script, mildest → most intense
2
Crushes & Holding Hands
1
Kissing & Dating
2
Suggestive
0
Sexual Content
  • Dani and Rahne develop an emotional connection that culminates in a kiss and embrace after the chapel scene
  • Roberto and Dani share a playful flirtatious moment in the dark ('you have to catch me'), followed by a kissing scene that stops when Roberto's heat powers cause him to overheat
  • Roberto also opens up emotionally to Dani about accidentally killing his girlfriend with his powers, a vulnerable non-romantic moment tied to the relationship
  • No nudity or explicit sexual content is present
🍺Substances
Moderate▼
Moments in the script, mildest → most intense
1
Mentioned in Passing
1
Shown Casually
2
Featured Prominently
0
Glorified or Abused
  • Illyana casually asks Dani if she knows how to grow weed while gardening
  • Illyana secretly spikes Dr. Reyes' tea with an unknown substance to sedate her
  • Dr. Reyes administers a sedative/drug to Dani during a manipulative hypnotic testing session
  • A metaphorical reference to baby rattlesnakes controlling venom is used to discuss mutant powers, not actual substance use
⚡Stimulation
Extreme▼
Moments in the script, mildest → most intense
0
Gently Engaging
1
Exciting
4
Intense
1
Overwhelming
  • The opening tornado sequence uses rapid cuts, screaming, and explosions for an intense sensory experience
  • The hypnotic drug sequence features distorted reality, screaming children, and electrical effects that may overwhelm sensitive viewers
  • The demon bear manifestation attack sequence is described as 'overwhelming' with multiple students in danger and rapid intercutting
  • A punk music montage of students breaking rules offers a lighter, more upbeat energetic sequence by contrast
  • Not recommended for sensory-sensitive children under 10 due to the intensity of the horror sequences
The New Mutants — Heads Up for Parents

Despite being a superhero-adjacent film, parents should be aware Dr. Reyes' hypnotic drug testing session on Dani is genuinely disturbing horror content involving reality distortion and an attempted murder disguised as treatment, not typical superhero action.

About The New Mutants

The New Mutants follows Dani Moonstar, the sole survivor of a devastating tornado that killed her father, as she's confined to a secretive facility with four other young mutants struggling to control their emerging powers. What begins as a psychological drama about trauma and grief turns into a horror-tinged thriller when the group discovers the facility's true purpose and must confront manifestations of their deepest fears, including a demonic bear entity. The tone blends teen drama with genuine horror elements and dark psychological themes.

👨‍👧
Best watched together
Teens 14+ can likely handle this alone, but the heavy themes of institutional abuse (Dr. Reyes' attempted euthanasia of Dani), suicidal ideation (Rahne stopping Dani on the cliff), and processing trauma (Sam's mining accident flashback, Roberto's guilt over his girlfriend's death) benefit from a parent being present to discuss.

Family Takeaways from The New Mutants

What it gets right

  • ✓The film treats trauma and grief seriously, as shown when Dani's father's message in her dream encourages her to keep living rather than give up
  • ✓It shows peer support as healing, particularly Rahne stopping Dani's suicide attempt on the cliff and the group's bonding in the attic truth game

The New Mutants Cultural & Values Guide

Cultural & Values Guide

Values & Themes
●LGBTQ themes

Rahne Sinclair's character explores themes of sexual identity and repression tied to her religious upbringing. The film depicts her struggle with accepting her own desires and identity.

Cast:Blu HuntCharlie HeatonMaisie WilliamsHenrique ZagaAnya Taylor-Joy

Is The New Mutants Appropriate for Your Child's Age?

✗Age 5: Not recommended for 5-year-olds
✗Age 8: Not recommended for 8-year-olds
✗Age 10: Not recommended for 10-year-olds
✗Age 12: Not recommended for 12-year-olds
✗Age 13: Not recommended for 13-year-olds
✓Age 15: Generally appropriate for 15-year-olds
✓Age 17: Generally appropriate for 17-year-olds

Individual children may vary — use your judgment.

Parents also ask about The New Mutants

  • Is The New Mutants appropriate for a 14-year-old?
  • Does The New Mutants have violence?
  • Is The New Mutants OK for kids?
  • What is the age rating for The New Mutants?

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