Poster for The Arab

The Arab (2026) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Haroun is an old bachelor who has lived in Oran for several years. A retired civil servant, he leads a reclusive life until the day he meets Kamel in a bar—a journalist to whom he tells an incredible story dating back to 1942. He claims to be the brother of ‘the Arab’ killed in a story told in one of the most famous novels of the 20th century, ‘The Stranger’ by Albert Camus. An Arab with an erased name: Moussa. Through anger, assertions, details, and confidences, Haroun finally convinces the journalist to listen to his story. His… Sign up for the full guide

Rated NR • 2026 • 1h 46m

Age
14+

The Arab is a contemplative, dialogue-driven drama that explores themes of historical trauma, cultural identity, and the lingering impacts of colonialism through the eyes of an elderly man, Haroun. It centers on a reclusive man in Oran who shares a deeply personal, revisionist history regarding the events depicted in Albert Camus’ 'The Stranger.' Parents should be aware that the film contains mature discussions of war, social revolt… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Ahmed Benaissa
Ahmed Benaissa
Hiam Abbass
Hiam Abbass
Dali Benssalah
Dali Benssalah
Nabil Asli
Nabil Asli
Amina Ben Ismaïl
Amina Ben Ismaïl
Grégoire Monsaingeon
Grégoire Monsaingeon
Mustapha Ayad
Mustapha Ayad
Raphaël Thiéry
Raphaël Thiéry
Brahim Derris
Brahim Derris
CN
Choumeyssa Nassah
AG
Amar Guermoud
IG
Inesse Guermoud
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Is The Arab appropriate for kids?

The Arab is a contemplative, dialogue-driven drama that explores themes of historical trauma, cultural identity, and the lingering impacts of colonialism through the eyes of an elderly man, Haroun. It centers on a reclusive man in Oran who shares a deeply personal, revisionist… Read more — free account

Content severity in The Arab

Sex None 0/10
Violence None 0/10
Language Mild 2/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Moderate 4/10

What happens in The Arab, moment by moment

  1. 0:15 🍷 Substances 2/10
  2. 0:32 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
  3. 0:48 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
Unlock all 8 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in The Arab

None. The film contains no sexual content or nudity.

Violence and gore in The Arab

None. There is no on-screen violence; historical conflict is discussed verbally as a recount of past events.

Language in The Arab

Mild. The film features infrequent, non-aggressive profanity in keeping with the conversational, mature tone of the storytelling.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Arab

Light. Characters are occasionally shown drinking alcohol in a bar setting while engaged in conversation; no abuse or focus on intoxication occurs.

Mature themes in The Arab

Moderate. The film deals with heavy, mature subjects, including the long-term emotional impact of trauma, familial resentment, and political disenfranchisement in post-independence Algeria.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Arab appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Arab is best for ages 14+. It's rated NR. The Arab is a contemplative, dialogue-driven drama that explores themes of historical trauma, cultural identity, and the lingering impacts of colonialism through the eyes of an elderly man, Haroun. It centers on a…

What age rating does The Arab have?

The Arab is officially rated NR. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 14+.

What is The Arab about?

The Arab is a contemplative, dialogue-driven drama that explores themes of historical trauma, cultural identity, and the lingering impacts of colonialism through the eyes of an elderly man, Haroun. It centers on a reclusive man in Oran who shares a deeply personal, revisionist history regarding the events depicted in…

Is there sex or nudity in The Arab?

None. The film contains no sexual content or nudity.

How violent is The Arab?

None. There is no on-screen violence; historical conflict is discussed verbally as a recount of past events.

Is the language in The Arab appropriate for kids?

Mild. The film features infrequent, non-aggressive profanity in keeping with the conversational, mature tone of the storytelling.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Arab?

Light. Characters are occasionally shown drinking alcohol in a bar setting while engaged in conversation; no abuse or focus on intoxication occurs.

What mature themes appear in The Arab?

Moderate. The film deals with heavy, mature subjects, including the long-term emotional impact of trauma, familial resentment, and political disenfranchisement in post-independence Algeria.

How long is The Arab?

The Arab runs 106 minutes, directed by Malek Bensmaïl, released in 2026.

Where can I read the full The Arab parent guide?

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