Firestarter

Violence, offensive language, content that may disturb Rated on: 05 July 2022

Firestarter (2022)

What’s it about?

This thriller about a family with supernatural abilities is an adaptation of the 1980s Stephen King novel of the same name.

Vicky and Andy gain supernatural abilities after a lab subjects them to chemical experiments. They escape, and are now in hiding with their daughter Charlie, who can use her mind to move objects and set things on fire. Charlie doesn’t know about her parents’ background until her abilities cause trouble at school, alerting the lab.

The facts

  • Director: Keith Thomas
  • Runtime: 94 minutes
  • Remake of the 1984 film Firestarter

Why did it get this rating?

Violence

Gun violence is accompanied by blood spatter. Supernatural violence includes people being set on fire.

Disturbing content

Multiple burn injuries are shown in detail. Charlie’s abilities are uncontrolled and therefore volatile, resulting in accidents. An animal is badly injured.

Offensive language

There is infrequent use of “fuck” in casual conversation. This is unlikely to cause lasting harm.

Recent featured decisions

30 May 2019

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24 February 2025

Sexual violence, cruelty and offensive language

While recovering from a stroke in a nursing home, a former judge discovers that one of the residents is terrorising the home with a child's puppet called Jenny Pen.

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