Review of Risen (2016) by Brohug — 21 Feb 2016

"I want to believe." Approach this as an X-Files episode and you'll be fine. An X-Files episode that just so happens to depict the seminal moment in Catholic orthodoxy. The point of view is that of the Roman Tribune Clavius played with steely grit by Joseph Fiennes, who is tasked with the nasty business of cleaning up Pilate's claim to fame: the crucifixion of Jesus.

The movie is a solid historical period piece for three quarters of the film. It plays more like a murder mystery as Clavius tries to track down the whereabouts of the new disciples who represent a threat to the governing status quo, and more importantly, the crucified body that has vanished from the tomb under supernatural circumstances. Clavius doggedly kicks in doors and interviews witnesses, trying to make sense of it all before an expected visit by Pilate's boss. Then ultimately the producers show their cards and go all in on the Clavius conversion as he ultimately helps the disciples escape and rendezvous with Jesus at Galilee.

This film was made by the Sony denominational studio Affirm Films, so the payoff for the expected demographic is not at all unexpected. Before the film started, there were a string of previews for upcoming faith-based features, so Hollywood has clearly identified a reasonably fallow market over the past few years. The difference now is we are slowly starting to see better talent and production values in some of these efforts.

Risen should not be avoided purely because you may be a religious skeptic, just as you should not avoid a film about, say, strange lights in Roswell NM just because you don't believe in UFOs.