This month, supernatural horror movie, Obsession lands in cinemas. The film – from director Curry Barker – stars Michael Johnston, Cooper Tomlinson, Andy Richter, Darin Toonder, and Anthony Pavone and tells the story of a man who makes a wish he later comes to regret.
Describing the film, Focus Features said: “After breaking the mysterious ‘One Wish Willow’ to win his crush’s heart, a hopeless romantic finds himself getting exactly what he asked for but soon discovers that some desires come at a dark, sinister price.”
When Obsession arrives in cinemas it is likely to be a popular film. Opening during the big summer blockbuster season will raise its profile, plus horror is a popular genre right now.
But when the film does make its debut, will it be suitable for everyone? And more importantly, will Obsession be suitable for the young, horror-loving teen crowd?
Let’s take a look at the age rating to find out.
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Obsession UK age rating
In the UK, Obsession has been awarded an ‘18’ certificate by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). The film has received this rating due to “strong violence (and) gore.”
In terms of violence the BBFC notes: “A character’s face is repeatedly smashed into an object in a sustained and intense sequence of bloody violence.“
In the UK ‘18’ certificate movies are deemed suitable for audiences aged 18 or over only, meaning no one below the age of 18 is permitted to watch an ‘18’ certificate film in a UK cinema. As such, the BBFC believe Obsession is not suitable for everyone, and definitely not suitable for the vast majority of teenagers.
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Obsession US age rating
In the US, things are a little different.
Obsession has been rated ‘R’ by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), which means the movie is classed as ‘restricted’ viewing. Obsession has received this rating due to strong bloody violence, grisly images, sexual content, pervasive language, and brief graphic nudity.
In the US, restricted viewing means no one under the age of 17 can view an ‘R’ rated movie unaccompanied. The MPAA believe the film contains some material which might not be suitable for all ages.
However (and here’s where things differ quite considerably from the UK to the US), audiences below the age of 17 can watch an ‘R’ rated movie in a US cinema, as long as they are accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. This means, a teen of any age (or even a pre-teen) could watch Obsession, as long as an adult is attendance.
Now, does this mean they should? This is something for a parent or guardian to decide based on the relevant information provided.
The MPAA’s advice is that parents should familiarise themselves with Obsession before taking their teens (or even younger children) to a screening. The ‘R’ rating is there for guidance, so use the advice wisely.
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Thank you for stopping by It’s A Stampede! to read this post about Obsession. For more posts be sure to check out the recommended reads below.
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