Bodyguard of Lies is an upcoming American documentary-thriller directed by Dan Krauss and produced by Alex Gibney, Susan Zirinsky, and others. The film takes an in-depth look at the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) and the government deception that misled the American public.
Featuring insider testimonies, confidential documents, and archival footage, the documentary examines the systemic failures during the war, offering a critical view of the policies that shaped the conflict. The film premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Festival and will be released in limited theaters on September 12, 2025, followed by streaming on Paramount+ on September 23, 2025.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Bodyguard of Lies |
| Genre | Documentary, Thriller, History |
| Director/Writer | Dan Krauss |
| Starring | Featuring interviews and archival footage from key political figures and military personnel |
| Runtime | 90 minutes |
| Age Rating | Rated R for language and some disturbing images |
| Release Date | September 12, 2025 (limited theatrical); September 23, 2025 (streaming on Paramount+) |
| Distributor/Streaming Platform | Paramount+ (streaming) |
| Languages | English, Pashto (with English subtitles) |
Bodyguard of Lies Age Rating
The film is officially rated R by the MPAA due to its strong language and disturbing images. The documentary contains real, archival footage of war violence, including graphic imagery of combat and casualties. The language is intense, with frequent strong profanity used in interviews and archival clips, especially when discussing the battlefield events and the political decisions that led to them.
Is Bodyguard of Lies Suitable for Kids?
No. Due to its graphic imagery, strong language, and disturbing content, this documentary is unsuitable for children. It is most appropriate for older teens (16–17) who can handle intense real-world subject matter. Parental guidance is strongly recommended, especially for viewers sensitive to war footage and political deception.
Age-by-Suitability Table
| Age Group | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Ages 3–7 | No / Not suitable for young children. |
| Ages 8–12 | No / Not recommended for this age group. |
| Teens (13–15) | Not recommended / Viewer discretion advised. |
| Teens (16–17) | Yes, with guidance / Older teens may watch with guidance. |
| Adults | Yes / Suitable for mature audiences. |
Bodyguard of Lies Parents Guide
This is a hard-hitting documentary about the Afghanistan War and the deception that shaped public perception. While the film focuses on factual recounts, it contains disturbing content that may be upsetting for younger viewers.
- Sex & Nudity: None. There is no explicit sexual content or nudity in the film, as the focus is on war, politics, and the deception surrounding the war.
- Violence & Gore: Moderate to severe. The documentary includes real war footage, such as wounded soldiers, explosions, and casualty aftermaths. The footage is not staged but is archival, providing an unfiltered look at the human cost of war.
- Profanity: Strong language is present throughout, especially in interviews and archival clips. Frequent use of profanity can be heard as military personnel and political figures discuss their experiences.
- Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking: None. There are no drug use or smoking scenes in the film. Some characters may be seen drinking alcohol in archival footage, but it is not a major element in the film.
- Frightening & Intense Scenes: High intensity. The film contains disturbing imagery, including graphic depictions of war and trauma. The emotional impact of the war and the real-life footage may be unsettling for sensitive viewers.
Tips for Parents
- Preview the film: If you’re considering letting your teen watch, it’s a good idea to preview the documentary first, especially if they are sensitive to graphic content or disturbing imagery.
- Discuss the historical context: This film deals with real events that have significant emotional and social consequences. It might be helpful to talk about the Afghanistan War, government deception, and the role of the media before watching.
- Talk about media literacy: After viewing, discuss the role of journalism, government accountability, and how public perception was shaped throughout the war.
Bodyguard of Lies Official Trailer
The official trailer is available on Paramount+‘s Official YouTube Channel or other official platforms. You can also watch the trailer here:-
FAQs
Q1. What is the age rating for Bodyguard of Lies?
A: Rated R for language and some disturbing images.
Q2. Is Bodyguard of Lies appropriate for teens?
A: It is not suitable for younger teens. Teens (16–17) may watch with parental guidance, especially due to the graphic war footage and strong language.
Q3. How intense are the violent or scary scenes?
A: The film contains real war footage with graphic depictions of wounded soldiers, explosions, and casualties. The intensity comes from the realism and psychological impact of the footage.
Q4. Does Bodyguard of Lies include profanity or slurs?
A: Yes, strong language is frequently used in the documentary, particularly in interviews with military and political figures.
Q5. Is there any sexual content or nudity in Bodyguard of Lies?
A: No. The documentary focuses on war, politics, and public deception, with no sexual content or nudity.
Q6. Where can I watch Bodyguard of Lies?
A: Bodyguard of Lies will be streaming on Paramount+ from September 23, 2025, after a limited theatrical release starting September 12, 2025.