The New Mutants
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to The New Mutants
The New Mutants (2020) is a superhero horror film, serving as a spin-off and the final installment in the X-Men film series. The story centers on five young mutants who are involuntarily held in an isolated psychiatric facility. Each character grapples with traumatic past events linked to the manifestation of their powers, which Dr. Cecilia Reyes claims to be helping them control. As strange and frightening occurrences plague the facility, the teenagers begin to suspect malevolent intentions behind their confinement, forcing them to confront their deepest fears and unite to escape. The film blends elements of a young adult drama with psychological horror, exploring themes of trauma, friendship, and self-acceptance. While it features characters from the Marvel Comics universe, its tone is darker and more suspenseful than typical superhero fare, focusing on internal struggles and supernatural threats rather than large-scale action. The content includes intense violence, horror imagery, strong language, and a prominent same-sex romantic relationship, making it more suited for mature teenage audiences.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The film features a central and openly depicted lesbian romance between two main characters, Dani Moonstar and Rahne Sinclair. Their relationship is developed throughout the narrative, culminating in several romantic interactions, including kissing. This is explicitly recognized by the director as a core aspect of the film.
The romantic relationship between Dani Moonstar (Blu Hunt) and Rahne Sinclair (Maisie Williams) is a significant plotline, evolving from a close bond to a romantic connection. They share multiple romantic kissing scenes throughout the film. Director Josh Boone stated this relationship was the 'spine and focus' of the film's 'character-driven stuff'. In the closing scene, Dani and Rahne are depicted holding hands, suggesting they have officially become a couple.
Violence
The movie contains frequent and intense violence with disturbing and bloody imagery. Characters experience graphic injuries, death, and supernatural attacks. Several scenes depict characters recounting or experiencing traumatic violent events from their past, often involving death or severe harm.
Witchcraft & Occult
The film features characters with supernatural and magical abilities, most notably Illyana's sorcery. The primary antagonist is the 'Demon Bear,' described as a supernatural entity that feeds on fear. There is a strong occult worldview present, with explicit demonic imagery.
Scary & Intense Content
As a superhero horror film, it contains frequent frightening and intense sequences, including jump scares, disturbing imagery, and psychological horror elements. Characters are tormented by manifestations of their past traumas and fears, leading to a dark and suspenseful atmosphere.
Anti-Christian Themes
The film contains explicit anti-Catholic religious imagery and bias, as noted by critical reviews. A devoutly Catholic character's past trauma is directly linked to an abusive religious figure, portraying religious authority in a negative light. A scene also depicts a demon entering and causing destruction within a church.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Ages 14+ with strong parental guidance. While rated PG-13 by the MPAA, the film contains frequent intense violence, graphic horror elements, a significant occult worldview, explicit anti-Christian imagery, and a central lesbian romance. Younger teens may be disturbed by the dark themes and frightening visuals, and Christian parents may find certain thematic elements concerning.
Good to Know
The New Mutants aims for a darker, horror-infused take on the superhero genre, which significantly distinguishes its content from typical Marvel films. Parents should be aware that the psychological horror elements and depictions of trauma are central to the story. The film's overall tone is dark, and while it features themes of friendship and confronting fears, these are often presented through intense and disturbing scenarios.
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