Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mature content in offbeat tale of father's search for truth.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Atrabilious
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
ATRABILIOUS follows Steven (Leon Addison Brown), who's reeling after the deaths of his son and his son's partner. He gets strange information from a mysterious man named Vincent (Jeffrey Wright), which leads him to an equally mysterious bar named Atrabilious. Steven soon starts learning more about his son's involvement at the bar, as well as what the bar's real purpose is.
Is It Any Good?
Writer-director William Atticus Parker's thriller/dramedy offers his fans a quirky puzzle of a story. This isn't a bad thing: Viewers who love movies that leave their stories open to interpretation will likely find plenty to like about Atrabilious. The idiosyncratic characters and unique storylines should appeal to those who enjoy projects by the likes of the Coen Brothers and David Lynch. And the film's star-studded cast helps lift the script to an even higher level. Atrabilious won't be for everyone. But if you love films that revel in their own eccentricities, it's an entertaining entry from an up-and-coming director.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about perseverance. Why is Steven adamant about finding out what happened to his son in Atrabilious? How does he investigate his son's death?
How are queer characters and people of color portrayed in the film? Are their depictions stereotypical in any way? Why does that matter?
What role does violence play in the film's storyline? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 18, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : July 18, 2025
- Cast : Leon Addison Brown , Jeffrey Wright , Whoopi Goldberg , Lewis Black
- Director : William Atticus Parker
- Inclusion Information : Queer Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : River Styx Productions
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : August 22, 2025
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