Afterburn
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Afterburn
Afterburn (2025) is an action-packed, post-apocalyptic sci-fi film directed by J.J. Perry, featuring Dave Bautista as Jake, a treasure hunter navigating a world devastated by a solar flare. Six years after the catastrophic event, technology has been largely wiped out, and society is ruled by warlords and marauders. Jake is tasked with recovering priceless artifacts, including the Mona Lisa, from the ruins of Europe, only to find himself entangled in a larger conflict where the world needs a hero more than its treasures. The film is characterized by its high-octane action sequences, including intense gun and knife fights, car chases, and explosions. While aiming for a serious tone, some reviews suggest a cheesy dialogue and an '80s action movie aesthetic. The movie is rated R for strong bloody violence and language, making it suitable for mature audiences who can handle graphic action and explicit profanity. The narrative explores themes of survival, the value of human achievement, and the struggle against tyranny in a lawless world.
Things to Consider
Violence
The film features graphic and intense violence, including gunfights, knife fights, and explosions, with descriptions of realistic and brutal injuries. The R-rating is partly attributed to 'strong bloody violence'.
Reviewers note 'the damage people sustain during gun/knife fights seems realistic, the FX during the knife fight in particular were well done'. Specific instances include Jake 'blasting off their faces with a shotgun and grenades', and scenes depicting 'arms coming off blood spatter faces coming off knife wounds wounds'. The warlord Vulov is shown to 'shoot him on the spot' for not knowing how to play chess, and Jake uses a character, Gorage, as a 'shield' during a fight.
Profanity
The film contains strong and frequent profanity, contributing to its R-rating. Explicit curse words are used in dialogue, particularly during intense action sequences.
Scary & Intense Content
The film contains high levels of intense and potentially frightening content due to its post-apocalyptic setting, constant threat from warlords and mutants, and graphic action sequences.
Disrespect & Rebellion
Disrespect and rebellion are central themes in the film, as the protagonist operates in defiance of the established warlord rule in a lawless post-apocalyptic world. Characters frequently challenge authority and engage in rebellious acts.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Afterburn (2025) is rated R for strong bloody violence and language, making it appropriate for audiences 17 years and older. The film contains graphic depictions of violence, including brutal killings and injuries, as well as frequent use of explicit profanity. Parents should be aware of the intense action, mature themes, and suggestive elements present.
Good to Know
The film's high budget and experienced director (J.J. Perry, known for stunt coordination) suggest well-executed action, despite some critiques regarding dialogue and pacing. While categorized as a sci-fi action film, it seems to draw heavily on 80s and 90s action tropes, which may appeal to fans of that era but might feel dated to others. The specific scene with the 'porn-like guitar line' and Bautista's character's comment about it is unusual and noteworthy for parental guidance.
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