This movie made up elements and left out such important ones. God's covenant with Abraham, God's speaking with and providing for Hagar, the visitation by the Lord and prophecy of Issac's birth in the coming year (when Sarah laughed, giving Issac his name). I would have preferred the story to be told linearly so we could have agonized with Sarah over her infertility, rejoiced at Issac's birth then really felt the gut punch when God tells Abraham to sacrifice his only son. Also I would have liked to have seen more clearly portrayed Abraham's faith in God's promise that Issac would be the seed to generations and therefore God might even resurrect Issac if necessary. (Hebrews 11:17-19). The movie fell short of my expectations, but I'm glad it has spoken to so many. Hopefully the director will consider sticking more closely to scripture in his future endeavors.
105 Reviews
Not great movie making, but a great story.
csteinmayer-251413 April 2023
I finally had a chance to see this and I liked it. Is it a great film that can be ranked among the great film makers? No. The pacing is poor, the structure isn't great and some of the acting... well is amateurish. But consider the fact that this is the producer, writer directors first major film. So I'll give him a break there. The visuals are stunning. The actress playing Sara really brings it, and delivers a great performance. The actor playing Abraham, knows about one expression it seems. While this story plays out in a few pages in Genesis, it would be a challenge to stretch that material out for an entire feature film. So there was some filler that does not appear in the bible it does not add or detract from the story fortunately. There was plenty of emotion to be found and I did find the film up lifting. Give it a chance.
Only Worth Watching When Nothing Else On
dhoward-044383 January 2024
I guess I went in to watching this movie with very high expectations from something from Angel Studios, especially after the successful endeavors with The Chosen and the newer movie Sound of Freedom. But soon into this movie you will find yourself doubting why you decided to watch it. I have actually turned it on and off several times as it cannot keep my attention. There are several factors that go into my decision, including poor acting, poor costumes, but most importantly all of the excessive artistic license that is taken in this movie. I know the story of Abram and Sarai very well. And I realize that this biblical story actually points to the coming of our Messiah in Jesus Christ, but Abraham did not realize that at the time and some of the things he says in the movie was never said or at least not given to us in scripture. I'm all for trying to make things more interesting and filling in the gaps, but when you add information as though it was scriptural to do that then I think you're making the wrong steps.
Not Again
kimberlinez2 April 2023
I'm baffled at the high reviews. Angie Studios is asking for honesty so here goes. Confidence was high going in because Angel Studios was behind this film. Their work a low budget on The Chosen has been outstanding.
As soon as the first scene opened and we see a really bad wig we knew we were in for a disappointment. The acting, dialogue, and perspective were a throwback to why Christian films never reached The Passion kind of success and now The Chosen's kind of success. We see between these two budget doesn't matter. Quality of reality matters.
I can look past bad wigs when the artistic license to fill out a biblical account is riveting. This was too somber from the opening scene. The only smile or element of expressed joy in living God was at Isaac's birth. The theme of obedience to God being that of a slave to a mysterious master was overwhelmingly daunting. It didn't stir a passion in us to want to know this God. Sarah's negative demeanor toward God n her husband became exasperating. It would have been better to see Sarah enjoy God with points momentary days of disappointment rather than her entire married life being depressing.
The character relationships were one dimensional. My husband and I discussed why couldn't the relationship between Abraham n God been one of warm faith and desire? Where God was inviting Abraham to know through experience his own Father's towards the loss of His own Son instead of a dry obedience? Like He did with Hosea. Why couldn't we see Isaac and Abraham enjoying each other as he was growing up and Abraham was teaching him the ways of faith, the way of faith that rewarded him with Isaac. If that dimension had been built the attempted sacrifice would have slayed unbelieving hearts in the theaters. We would have seen a young man lay down his life for love instead of dry obedience.
I know this review is going against the majority. I think we are loving the story of Abraham as those who've read it a million times. I think we are loving we got one more Christian film in the theaters. I think we are missing the point of these films being a tool to draw the unbelieving into His love. This film drew us into obeying out of duty not out of affection for a Good Father who had proved Himself already as a giver of good gifts through Isaac.
We honor the writers efforts and we have prayed dimensions of revelation of Gods love for to come as he grows in his art. When we as a community can do better and pull out dimensions that stir the most holy of emotions in unbelievers. We did with the Passion and we are doing it with The Chosen. Deepen our writing dimensions Lord!
As soon as the first scene opened and we see a really bad wig we knew we were in for a disappointment. The acting, dialogue, and perspective were a throwback to why Christian films never reached The Passion kind of success and now The Chosen's kind of success. We see between these two budget doesn't matter. Quality of reality matters.
I can look past bad wigs when the artistic license to fill out a biblical account is riveting. This was too somber from the opening scene. The only smile or element of expressed joy in living God was at Isaac's birth. The theme of obedience to God being that of a slave to a mysterious master was overwhelmingly daunting. It didn't stir a passion in us to want to know this God. Sarah's negative demeanor toward God n her husband became exasperating. It would have been better to see Sarah enjoy God with points momentary days of disappointment rather than her entire married life being depressing.
The character relationships were one dimensional. My husband and I discussed why couldn't the relationship between Abraham n God been one of warm faith and desire? Where God was inviting Abraham to know through experience his own Father's towards the loss of His own Son instead of a dry obedience? Like He did with Hosea. Why couldn't we see Isaac and Abraham enjoying each other as he was growing up and Abraham was teaching him the ways of faith, the way of faith that rewarded him with Isaac. If that dimension had been built the attempted sacrifice would have slayed unbelieving hearts in the theaters. We would have seen a young man lay down his life for love instead of dry obedience.
I know this review is going against the majority. I think we are loving the story of Abraham as those who've read it a million times. I think we are loving we got one more Christian film in the theaters. I think we are missing the point of these films being a tool to draw the unbelieving into His love. This film drew us into obeying out of duty not out of affection for a Good Father who had proved Himself already as a giver of good gifts through Isaac.
We honor the writers efforts and we have prayed dimensions of revelation of Gods love for to come as he grows in his art. When we as a community can do better and pull out dimensions that stir the most holy of emotions in unbelievers. We did with the Passion and we are doing it with The Chosen. Deepen our writing dimensions Lord!
Connects the dots
tking28131 March 2023
It is often said that scripture interprets scripture, but most of us are working with incidental fragments from a rather large book. This writer takes one of the toughest messages and manages to assemble the supporting chapters and events without becoming bogged down, overwhelming the novice or boring the expert. I know the story of Abraham and Sarah quite well, and bought tickets with the idea that I would suffer through a low budget interpretation for a good cause, but it was a great show; I walked away feeling like I met the characters and gained new perspectives on the message. Nice segue into the Gospels, great message for young and old, light on the graphic stuff and excellent for conversation after the film.
Great story, not a great portrayal
mawmawsuzanna5 January 2024
It is easy to get your hopes up for a Christian based movie to make as powerful an impact as the Chosen has.
That said, I love the story, most of the actors are very stiff.
Abraham is far too stoic for a man who hears the voice of God.
The artistic license of the journey to the mountain is somewhat interesting.
The movie does not inspire me to grow closer to God. The sermons I hear from an everyday minister are more inspiring.
I didn't hate the movie because I'm happy that there is still a chance that it touches someone's heart and changes their life.
I am happy to have Christian based content available for my family. My grandchildren were bored in the first ten minutes.
When they watched the Chosen they were glued to the screen.
While is is unfair to compare the two, that is exactly what I find myself doing.
That said, I love the story, most of the actors are very stiff.
Abraham is far too stoic for a man who hears the voice of God.
The artistic license of the journey to the mountain is somewhat interesting.
The movie does not inspire me to grow closer to God. The sermons I hear from an everyday minister are more inspiring.
I didn't hate the movie because I'm happy that there is still a chance that it touches someone's heart and changes their life.
I am happy to have Christian based content available for my family. My grandchildren were bored in the first ten minutes.
When they watched the Chosen they were glued to the screen.
While is is unfair to compare the two, that is exactly what I find myself doing.
An Honest Review
lovinggod-546652 April 2023
I love any stories that show the people in the Bible. They bring the people God used to life and it makes them real to us.
Abraham struggled with God's command to sacrifice his only son through Sarah. The same son God promised to use to make a great nation. Anyone who's familiar with this story can feel Abraham's pain. God bless Helling for bringing to life one of the Bible's foreshadowings of the coming Christ.
But our pastor encouraged our congregation to go see the movie then go online to give it 10 stars. I've heard this same admonition over my many years for several Christian movies. But for the most part they've not been that great. I'm sorry if this offends anyone but there have been very few that have been as good as the old Billy Graham movies from the 70s. That's a long time ago.
I agree with the reviews here that call it foreboding. Sure, Abraham's task was a terrible one to face, but from reading the OT I never got the impression his and Sarah's entire life was one big ball of frustration as this movie portrays. God blessed Abraham beyond his wildest dreams in many ways. But Issac's birth is a small afterthought.
I was looking forward to Sarah hearing God and laughing (just to hear someone laugh at least) but except for a brief movement all we get from Sarah was sadness. The actress who played her was incredible, but her character was unfortunately one-dimensional.
I can agree with a person's desire to spread God's word but I don't have to pretend to enjoy how they go about it. It's not a sin and neither is it a "false review" as one reviewer here imagines. If it's a person's honest opinion it's just that. Take it or leave it.
I enjoy The Chosen because it makes Jesus real and even happy when appropriate. This is a major missing element in many Bible movies and I believe it's inaccurate and a disservice to God. Anofher example is I've only seen one or two paintings of Jesus smiling, most others show Him as somber, sad, or mourning. That's how this movie comes across about Abraham.
But hey, He is risen and His kindness leads to repentance. And I have no doubt Abraham and Sarah had a special relationship with God that brought them joy too. That joy is what's missing in this story and would make God's very unusual command to sacrifice Abraham and Sarah's only son so poignant. It had to have felt strange to them, but their whole life is boiled down to a strange and distant God expecting blind obedience and dirty faces and fingernails.
Abraham had a lot of money at that age so a tattered tent was not even true to the Biblical story. (Recall all that King Abimilech gave him? The way of faith in God isn't easy but His loving kindness set the true God apart from the cruel gods of Abraham's time. That loving kindness is missing in this story.
Abraham struggled with God's command to sacrifice his only son through Sarah. The same son God promised to use to make a great nation. Anyone who's familiar with this story can feel Abraham's pain. God bless Helling for bringing to life one of the Bible's foreshadowings of the coming Christ.
But our pastor encouraged our congregation to go see the movie then go online to give it 10 stars. I've heard this same admonition over my many years for several Christian movies. But for the most part they've not been that great. I'm sorry if this offends anyone but there have been very few that have been as good as the old Billy Graham movies from the 70s. That's a long time ago.
I agree with the reviews here that call it foreboding. Sure, Abraham's task was a terrible one to face, but from reading the OT I never got the impression his and Sarah's entire life was one big ball of frustration as this movie portrays. God blessed Abraham beyond his wildest dreams in many ways. But Issac's birth is a small afterthought.
I was looking forward to Sarah hearing God and laughing (just to hear someone laugh at least) but except for a brief movement all we get from Sarah was sadness. The actress who played her was incredible, but her character was unfortunately one-dimensional.
I can agree with a person's desire to spread God's word but I don't have to pretend to enjoy how they go about it. It's not a sin and neither is it a "false review" as one reviewer here imagines. If it's a person's honest opinion it's just that. Take it or leave it.
I enjoy The Chosen because it makes Jesus real and even happy when appropriate. This is a major missing element in many Bible movies and I believe it's inaccurate and a disservice to God. Anofher example is I've only seen one or two paintings of Jesus smiling, most others show Him as somber, sad, or mourning. That's how this movie comes across about Abraham.
But hey, He is risen and His kindness leads to repentance. And I have no doubt Abraham and Sarah had a special relationship with God that brought them joy too. That joy is what's missing in this story and would make God's very unusual command to sacrifice Abraham and Sarah's only son so poignant. It had to have felt strange to them, but their whole life is boiled down to a strange and distant God expecting blind obedience and dirty faces and fingernails.
Abraham had a lot of money at that age so a tattered tent was not even true to the Biblical story. (Recall all that King Abimilech gave him? The way of faith in God isn't easy but His loving kindness set the true God apart from the cruel gods of Abraham's time. That loving kindness is missing in this story.
Worth watching this movie
jlunsbee1 April 2023
This movie was so wonderful to watch, and the acting very well done. I was worried it would be too slow, but it followed the scripture and added, similar to The Chosen, some possible encounters on the three day journey.
Loved the way Jesus was a parallel to Abraham's story.
God's only son was perfect. The old testament characters were not, but God used them and kept His promises. I hope more movies like this will be made.
Be sure to read Genesis and talk to friends about the references in the New Testament that lead back to the old. God is still the same today, and seeing this movie is worth your time.
Loved the way Jesus was a parallel to Abraham's story.
God's only son was perfect. The old testament characters were not, but God used them and kept His promises. I hope more movies like this will be made.
Be sure to read Genesis and talk to friends about the references in the New Testament that lead back to the old. God is still the same today, and seeing this movie is worth your time.
a perspective
Kirpianuscus13 April 2024
I desired to see this film. For subject, for Angel Studios . Indeed, with some not reduced expectations .
And I liked it. Maybe , just I loved it for a couple aspects.
It is very difficult to imagine the fair manner to tell this Genesis part. Because it is intense, complicated, dark and hopefull in same measure. So, I saw it without compare with the lines of Old Testament or with my images about characters. And, starting from this start point, easy was to appreciate the effort of actors, the atmosphere and the puzzle of events , not in chronological order but with interesting effort to put in honest form, the familiar facts. And, especially, the dialogue.
At the first sight, it is a film for a precise target. Indeed, Abraham has not one hundred years old and Sara seems too nervous, the young actor for role of Isaac represents not the most impressive option and the encounter with our Lord seems too simple solution.
But not strict accuracy or innovations / useful, in manz senses, must be the significant poinst, I suppose, but the message. And it is clear and loud .So, not being Choosen, it is a decent adaptation , not out of some good appreciations who it high deserves.
And I liked it. Maybe , just I loved it for a couple aspects.
It is very difficult to imagine the fair manner to tell this Genesis part. Because it is intense, complicated, dark and hopefull in same measure. So, I saw it without compare with the lines of Old Testament or with my images about characters. And, starting from this start point, easy was to appreciate the effort of actors, the atmosphere and the puzzle of events , not in chronological order but with interesting effort to put in honest form, the familiar facts. And, especially, the dialogue.
At the first sight, it is a film for a precise target. Indeed, Abraham has not one hundred years old and Sara seems too nervous, the young actor for role of Isaac represents not the most impressive option and the encounter with our Lord seems too simple solution.
But not strict accuracy or innovations / useful, in manz senses, must be the significant poinst, I suppose, but the message. And it is clear and loud .So, not being Choosen, it is a decent adaptation , not out of some good appreciations who it high deserves.
Great message some great/ poor spots
bronx-568962 April 2023
I really enjoyed the message of this movie. The portrayal of Abraham in a very human/ realistic manner added to the films impact. The message as to his communications with God were heart warming. There were several spots that took away from the films "realistic"approach, they were several scenes with Sara. The acting by the actress was excellent , especially when she provides her maid to Abraham but what was missing was the aging makeup. Her skin & hair remained the same for scene after scene. Plus, The biblical account of her laughing at being told she would have a son at her old age was needed. Second, was the scene where the soldiers met up with the group for the second time. The challenge by Issac stirs conflict but it was unclear as to how it was resolved, confusing.
Would I see it again, not likely but the message itself was powerful.
Would I see it again, not likely but the message itself was powerful.
A bleak polluted portrayal
caruss-003368 April 2023
4 stars for being about 40% accurate. Before making the movie, they should have read Genesis first. They got the basics of the story in there, so congrats I guess. However, this was a very dark, dreary and depressing adaptation of events, polluted with fictionalized (even darker) side stories that made no sense. And straying from the true timeline of Genesis, Sarah looked about age 40 and Abraham 50 at the time of Isaacs' birth. Not too impressive as far as miracles go. Did the writers of this story think a 90 and 100 year old Sarah and Abraham respectively was too far fetched (even for God)? And the Abraham and Sarah portrayed in this story looked like filthy Neanderthals with face tattoos and lived like dirt poor vagabonds. The Abraham and Sarah of the Bible were blessed by God, who prospered them with wealth, land, cattle, and many hired servants. Abraham was a patriarch and founder of a great nation. This was a very bleak portrayal of a great man of God and inaccurate, underwhelming vision of what is one of the most powerful stories of faith in the Scriptures.
New Easter Tradition...Highly Recommend!
kris-127-9011921 April 2023
This is the POWERFUL and difficult story of Abraham and Issac, beautifully done and perfectly tied to the ultimate sacrifice of God's Only Son for us that we recognize Easter. It is heavy...but sure to usher in Passion Week for you in a powerful and personal way. It connects the dots between the story of Abraham from the Torah and the completed work of Jesus on the cross. The director's comments in the beginning were special and personal. This is a low budget film, beautifully done, that will hopefully be only the first for this talented director and his team. It is sure to become an Easter season tradition.
His Only Son
mlktrout4 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I'm one of the supporters of this movie, so this is not entirely objective. With that caveat, I'll move on. My rating above is 7, but I think it's closer to 6.5.
I may not be as bright as some of the people in the theater; I really didn't notice the "bad wigs" one reviewer referred to. If filmmaker David Helling hadn't seen fit to do the big disclaimer at the beginning of the movie, I wouldn't have noticed a lot of the budgetary shortcuts. Of course the ones that were there were felt in a big way--I'll get to that in a minute.) I thought the costumes were well done and the acting was pretty good. I've always liked the biblical story of Abraham because he was so fallible. It gave me hope for people like me. I also loved the ending with the REAL "only son." The whole moral of the story was that while God asks everything from his followers, he asks everything of himself to. What he spared Abraham, he faced down himself.
There was a lot of literary license taken with this movie--lots of additions to the story that were okay but not great. What frustrated me was that they were made at the expense of other scenes that should've been in the movie but weren't.
We are told about how wealthy and powerful Abraham was but it's hard to imagine any of it. There were more than 300 people in his household. We are shown four. (I know--budget limitations. Maybe they should've taken out the Philistines.) We never see the vast herds and flocks Abraham was supposed to have had, and it's easy enough to use a couple of stock shots of sheep and cows. All we ever see is Abraham and Sarah in the middle of nowhere.
Much is made about the wickedness of Sodom and its bad end, but the "bargaining" between Abraham and God about the fate of the city was omitted. Much is made of Abraham's reluctant warrior days (rescuing Lot) but the character of Melchizedek is omitted. Both of these stories might have brought a little lightness or happiness, or at least relieved a little of the unremitting dreariness of so much of the movie. Even "The Chosen" (which Helling referred to several times) had moments of humor and fun and joy. The only joy in this movie was Isaac's birth.
Sarah was even worse than the biblical version. I don't think my husband had ever realized just how awful she was in her more awful moments.
One other thing. And I say this as someone who was a supporter of the movie: Beginning a movie with a lengthy complaint about lack of funds and ending it with a plea for more funds is not great filmmaking. Remember the movie got its financial support from sending emails. Remember the Chosen got its support from emails and Pay It Forward even before Dallas showed up with his collection plate out. My husband said David reminded him of "Dallas 2.0" with his end-movie plea.
I'm a big fan of the Chosen and well-made Christian films in general, so I do hope that "Jacob" will be made, and I seriously hope David Helling will learn from his mistakes in this movie and provide better pacing and a little use of humor to move the stories forward.
I may not be as bright as some of the people in the theater; I really didn't notice the "bad wigs" one reviewer referred to. If filmmaker David Helling hadn't seen fit to do the big disclaimer at the beginning of the movie, I wouldn't have noticed a lot of the budgetary shortcuts. Of course the ones that were there were felt in a big way--I'll get to that in a minute.) I thought the costumes were well done and the acting was pretty good. I've always liked the biblical story of Abraham because he was so fallible. It gave me hope for people like me. I also loved the ending with the REAL "only son." The whole moral of the story was that while God asks everything from his followers, he asks everything of himself to. What he spared Abraham, he faced down himself.
There was a lot of literary license taken with this movie--lots of additions to the story that were okay but not great. What frustrated me was that they were made at the expense of other scenes that should've been in the movie but weren't.
We are told about how wealthy and powerful Abraham was but it's hard to imagine any of it. There were more than 300 people in his household. We are shown four. (I know--budget limitations. Maybe they should've taken out the Philistines.) We never see the vast herds and flocks Abraham was supposed to have had, and it's easy enough to use a couple of stock shots of sheep and cows. All we ever see is Abraham and Sarah in the middle of nowhere.
Much is made about the wickedness of Sodom and its bad end, but the "bargaining" between Abraham and God about the fate of the city was omitted. Much is made of Abraham's reluctant warrior days (rescuing Lot) but the character of Melchizedek is omitted. Both of these stories might have brought a little lightness or happiness, or at least relieved a little of the unremitting dreariness of so much of the movie. Even "The Chosen" (which Helling referred to several times) had moments of humor and fun and joy. The only joy in this movie was Isaac's birth.
Sarah was even worse than the biblical version. I don't think my husband had ever realized just how awful she was in her more awful moments.
One other thing. And I say this as someone who was a supporter of the movie: Beginning a movie with a lengthy complaint about lack of funds and ending it with a plea for more funds is not great filmmaking. Remember the movie got its financial support from sending emails. Remember the Chosen got its support from emails and Pay It Forward even before Dallas showed up with his collection plate out. My husband said David reminded him of "Dallas 2.0" with his end-movie plea.
I'm a big fan of the Chosen and well-made Christian films in general, so I do hope that "Jacob" will be made, and I seriously hope David Helling will learn from his mistakes in this movie and provide better pacing and a little use of humor to move the stories forward.
Sincere, but horrendously paced.
benjaminskylerhill1 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Since it genuinely brings me absolutely no joy to take a huge steaming verbal dump all over a small movie that was clearly someone's passion project, I'm going to start with some positives:
The film is (for the most part) quite nicely shot, made even more impressive considering the puny $250,000 budget. I was also impressed with the performance of Sara Seyed, who portrays Sarah. She gave it her all and her complex emotions often shone through.
There were about 20 minutes worth of compelling, interesting scenes that explored intelligent potential aspects of Abraham's grief and guilt-inducing past.
I wish I could praise more (as the filmmaker was clearly passionate about this story), but this film is so monumentally flawed in every other respect as to cause it to not even remotely function as a narrative feature.
This story would have worked well as a 20-30 minute short film. As it stands at its bloated 101 minutes, it's one of the most horrendously paced, boring films I've ever sat through in a theater.
Scene after scene consists solely of characters sitting and talking; shot, reverse shot. Over and over again. But the conversations the characters have are rarely interesting enough to carry the scenes. Again and again the story is burdened by characters blabbering the exact same information and themes to the audience, just with different wording.
Oh. And the flashback sequences. Good grief, there are so many of them; and again several of them just repeat information we've already been told earlier in the movie.
To pad the runtime to feature length, two subplots were added that aren't mentioned in the biblical text. That's all well and good; but they're completely pointless and amount to nothing, both narratively and thematically.
The first of these subplots involves one of Abraham's servants expressing bitterness about his station as a slave, and it results in some maddeningly surface-level discussions about the topic that repeat themselves many times throughout the story, only to remain completely unresolved by the film's conclusion.
The second of these subplots features enemy soldiers running a human trafficking/sex slavery enterprise, and its laughably executed. Again, it eats up screen time, and only contributes moral confusion to the story as the film ends with the subplot unresolved and an innocent woman being allowed to be kidnapped and sold into slavery. I think the filmmaker was trying to make a connection with Isaac attempting to sacrifice himself for the woman, but totally unsuccessfully? Well, it didn't work at all.
Speaking of Isaac, oh boy, Edaan Moskowitz gave an absolutely terrible performance, with wooden line delivery and oozing unlikeable naivety into his character. I shouldn't want Isaac to die at the end of his story, but I did. That's not good.
I get that most people seeing this movie will enjoy it, and are enjoying it. Good for them. But I want to see more than just biblical characters shown on screen for 100 minutes. I want to see a story with consistent conflict and riveting characters. This can absolutely be accomplished in a biblical film, but not like this.
The film is (for the most part) quite nicely shot, made even more impressive considering the puny $250,000 budget. I was also impressed with the performance of Sara Seyed, who portrays Sarah. She gave it her all and her complex emotions often shone through.
There were about 20 minutes worth of compelling, interesting scenes that explored intelligent potential aspects of Abraham's grief and guilt-inducing past.
I wish I could praise more (as the filmmaker was clearly passionate about this story), but this film is so monumentally flawed in every other respect as to cause it to not even remotely function as a narrative feature.
This story would have worked well as a 20-30 minute short film. As it stands at its bloated 101 minutes, it's one of the most horrendously paced, boring films I've ever sat through in a theater.
Scene after scene consists solely of characters sitting and talking; shot, reverse shot. Over and over again. But the conversations the characters have are rarely interesting enough to carry the scenes. Again and again the story is burdened by characters blabbering the exact same information and themes to the audience, just with different wording.
Oh. And the flashback sequences. Good grief, there are so many of them; and again several of them just repeat information we've already been told earlier in the movie.
To pad the runtime to feature length, two subplots were added that aren't mentioned in the biblical text. That's all well and good; but they're completely pointless and amount to nothing, both narratively and thematically.
The first of these subplots involves one of Abraham's servants expressing bitterness about his station as a slave, and it results in some maddeningly surface-level discussions about the topic that repeat themselves many times throughout the story, only to remain completely unresolved by the film's conclusion.
The second of these subplots features enemy soldiers running a human trafficking/sex slavery enterprise, and its laughably executed. Again, it eats up screen time, and only contributes moral confusion to the story as the film ends with the subplot unresolved and an innocent woman being allowed to be kidnapped and sold into slavery. I think the filmmaker was trying to make a connection with Isaac attempting to sacrifice himself for the woman, but totally unsuccessfully? Well, it didn't work at all.
Speaking of Isaac, oh boy, Edaan Moskowitz gave an absolutely terrible performance, with wooden line delivery and oozing unlikeable naivety into his character. I shouldn't want Isaac to die at the end of his story, but I did. That's not good.
I get that most people seeing this movie will enjoy it, and are enjoying it. Good for them. But I want to see more than just biblical characters shown on screen for 100 minutes. I want to see a story with consistent conflict and riveting characters. This can absolutely be accomplished in a biblical film, but not like this.
Riding "The Chosens" coattails.
tzhdmgtq6 July 2023
The movie tries to jump around in the story artistically, but it's confusing even if you know the story. It added elements that don't make any sense nor added anything to the overall narrative. Isaac is probably a homeschool kid of one of the producers, because he's as white as my 2 buttcheeks and is a terrible actor. More unnecessary slow motion than any Zack Snyder movie. You can immediately tell who all the bad guys are because of the black eyeliner. The list of negatives go on and on.
Honestly, it's what you'd expect if you gave that one lady in your church a couple thousand dollars to throw a church play. Definitely trying to ride the coattails of the Chosen, and definitely falls flat.
Honestly, it's what you'd expect if you gave that one lady in your church a couple thousand dollars to throw a church play. Definitely trying to ride the coattails of the Chosen, and definitely falls flat.
You get what you paid for.........?
rhruns2 April 2023
I love movies, so when David Helling, the writer and director, opens the movie by saying how much money they didn't have and basically I need to lower my expectations I wasn't expecting much. Well that's how God works. This movie is solid. So much so I want to see it again. My wife and I can't stop talking about it. I won't go into details / spoilers ( I've read my Bible) but to see a dramatic impression about how all this went down, David Helling did a good job.
With that said and the reason I'm reviewing this is for one reason, Sara Seyed. As I said before I love movies and I watched the Oscars for years. I even thought again going to film school. Sara Seyed Depiction of Sarah is Oscar worthy. Raw, emotional, heartbreaking joyful. The story is about Abraham and Isaac but Sara Seyed steals the show.
With that said and the reason I'm reviewing this is for one reason, Sara Seyed. As I said before I love movies and I watched the Oscars for years. I even thought again going to film school. Sara Seyed Depiction of Sarah is Oscar worthy. Raw, emotional, heartbreaking joyful. The story is about Abraham and Isaac but Sara Seyed steals the show.
Could have been so much better, if.....
therealjaysmoke5 November 2023
Cinematography was on point, Cast and Crew was on point, Soundtrack was on point, Special Fx was on point.
The only thing that prevented me from giving this movie a 10 is the storyline. It could have been much more interesting than this. Abraham, as we know it from the Bible, lived during a period of grave evil, danger and confusion. Where men were worshiping false gods, human life was nothing, and the supernatural was very real. When God told Abraham to leave, he wasn't a poor man. He wasn't broke. He wasn't alone. He had family and servants. He had flocks. He had riches. Sarah wasn't a sadistic barren woman. If anything, the woman was industrious to be the wife of such a man. She had servants, businesses etc.
I feel they didn't choose the right path to tell Abraham's story. This was the Father of many nations and there are so many rich accounts that were left out in this build up to Isaac's birth. It's so unfortunate they took the route because the uninteresting fillers made the movie long, boring and you wanted it to end so badly.
The only thing that prevented me from giving this movie a 10 is the storyline. It could have been much more interesting than this. Abraham, as we know it from the Bible, lived during a period of grave evil, danger and confusion. Where men were worshiping false gods, human life was nothing, and the supernatural was very real. When God told Abraham to leave, he wasn't a poor man. He wasn't broke. He wasn't alone. He had family and servants. He had flocks. He had riches. Sarah wasn't a sadistic barren woman. If anything, the woman was industrious to be the wife of such a man. She had servants, businesses etc.
I feel they didn't choose the right path to tell Abraham's story. This was the Father of many nations and there are so many rich accounts that were left out in this build up to Isaac's birth. It's so unfortunate they took the route because the uninteresting fillers made the movie long, boring and you wanted it to end so badly.
My pastor asked asked us to watch and rate it.
idontrunntoofast4 April 2023
So, my pastor asked us to watch this movie and then rate it "Ten Stars" here and on RT because it was "by far the best movie of the decade"
Fine, ok, that is an opinion even pastors are entitled to an opinion.
But as far as rating it 10 stars... It is undeserving.
It holds very well to Genesis 22 with some creative liberties. In that regard it is sound.
However its pacing is drawn-out and very slow for the first half of the movie, the flash backs and story line is somewhat confusing (even for someone that already knows the story by heart) and the production quality is understandingly low.
Honestly very good for a Christian movie, which honestly isnt saying much.
I think that this movie is getting undeserved high ratings by Christians who feel pressured to rate it as a great movie despite being just ok.
But as far as rating it 10 stars... It is undeserving.
It holds very well to Genesis 22 with some creative liberties. In that regard it is sound.
However its pacing is drawn-out and very slow for the first half of the movie, the flash backs and story line is somewhat confusing (even for someone that already knows the story by heart) and the production quality is understandingly low.
Honestly very good for a Christian movie, which honestly isnt saying much.
I think that this movie is getting undeserved high ratings by Christians who feel pressured to rate it as a great movie despite being just ok.
A Gift: Inspiring, Relatable and Touching
Sefardicus1 April 2023
I have not seen a movie at this level since the Passion and Risen. There's something otherworldly about the cinematography and the storytelling is so original, weaving in prophesy and the life of Jesus in a spiritually smart and provocative way.
I have not been this blessed at the movies for almost 10 years. I am never going to look at the story of Abraham, Sarah and Isaac w/God ever the same way again. What sacrifice, obedience & love. Your heart will ache, and go out to these characters, as if they were everyday people from today's world, friends, neighbors.
These characters have come to life for me; what a fresh way to show this story!
This a sneaky powerful movie, which I'm going to see again tomorrow and tell everyone I know about it.
I have not been this blessed at the movies for almost 10 years. I am never going to look at the story of Abraham, Sarah and Isaac w/God ever the same way again. What sacrifice, obedience & love. Your heart will ache, and go out to these characters, as if they were everyday people from today's world, friends, neighbors.
These characters have come to life for me; what a fresh way to show this story!
This a sneaky powerful movie, which I'm going to see again tomorrow and tell everyone I know about it.
Promising feature debut with some warts
chadk-4549511 April 2023
When a film starts off with a word from the director or cast members, I'm typically left rolling my eyes. But for the creator to appear and emphasize his shoestring budget and a production time of over half a decade, whether intentional or not, comes across as an attempt to insulate from criticism. It won't affect this review. Here's an honest take.
The film does a great job of portraying Abraham as a tragic figure plagued by the dread of carrying out an unthinkable act commanded by God. Visually stunning at times, there's no denying Helling's skill. The natural lighting and simple sets work effectively for their purposes. Unfortunately, Helling's use of long cuts overstay their welcome and at times feel hackneyed and other times indulgent. Scorsese or Malick he's not, but Helling certainly has solid instincts for capturing the mood.
The script is effective enough and the acting decent. It's interesting that the when God talks it's a booming voiceover drenched in reverb. It's not bad, maybe just a little cheesy.
The pacing leaves a bit to be desired, even though I appreciated going back and forth between the journey to the scenes with Sarah over the years. The journey itself was mostly a walking simulator and talking by a fire. Some extracurricular drama keeps things interesting without straying too far from the text. The actors inject effective pathos throughout.
Helling has shown promise with His Only Son and I'm eager to see what he's capable of in the future.
65/100.
The film does a great job of portraying Abraham as a tragic figure plagued by the dread of carrying out an unthinkable act commanded by God. Visually stunning at times, there's no denying Helling's skill. The natural lighting and simple sets work effectively for their purposes. Unfortunately, Helling's use of long cuts overstay their welcome and at times feel hackneyed and other times indulgent. Scorsese or Malick he's not, but Helling certainly has solid instincts for capturing the mood.
The script is effective enough and the acting decent. It's interesting that the when God talks it's a booming voiceover drenched in reverb. It's not bad, maybe just a little cheesy.
The pacing leaves a bit to be desired, even though I appreciated going back and forth between the journey to the scenes with Sarah over the years. The journey itself was mostly a walking simulator and talking by a fire. Some extracurricular drama keeps things interesting without straying too far from the text. The actors inject effective pathos throughout.
Helling has shown promise with His Only Son and I'm eager to see what he's capable of in the future.
65/100.
It Was Long
meemoo-865292 April 2023
I applaud Helling's story: after serving in Iraq he used the GI bill to go to film school. He learned to sew so he could save money by making his own costumes. This is his first movie.
The target audience is Christians, specifically "churched" Christians. Recognizing that Helling hopes to reach an audience outside the western world, it must first appeal to his core audience to raise funds for further propagation.
As such, 99% of the audience are familiar with the events in Abraham's life. But even if they weren't, the story drags on overly long. It took what should be a 30 minute vignette and stretched it into a 2 hour epic movie. The stretching was accomplished by the use of flashbacks, which is beyond what a vignette can support. The story would've flowed better had it simply took us chronologically through Abraham's life up to that point rather than using flashbacks.
The dialogue isn't bad but it's not enough to make the drawn out, dreadful journey through the barren desert interesting. Even the contemplative moments were too drawn out and only added to the desperate hope that at some point the pace will pick up, but it never does.
The acting was fine, with Sarah Sayed's performance being a stand- out. Any future movie should give her character more depth, Sarah Sayed has the talent to do it justice.
There's a hesitation to be critical of any Christian movie so people end up rating the intention instead. Of course such efforts as Helling's deserve 10 stars, but I'm not God and only He can judge a person's heart and intent, so I'm left to rate the movie.
I hope to see Helling improve upon this first effort and that his movies become widespread and effective.
The target audience is Christians, specifically "churched" Christians. Recognizing that Helling hopes to reach an audience outside the western world, it must first appeal to his core audience to raise funds for further propagation.
As such, 99% of the audience are familiar with the events in Abraham's life. But even if they weren't, the story drags on overly long. It took what should be a 30 minute vignette and stretched it into a 2 hour epic movie. The stretching was accomplished by the use of flashbacks, which is beyond what a vignette can support. The story would've flowed better had it simply took us chronologically through Abraham's life up to that point rather than using flashbacks.
The dialogue isn't bad but it's not enough to make the drawn out, dreadful journey through the barren desert interesting. Even the contemplative moments were too drawn out and only added to the desperate hope that at some point the pace will pick up, but it never does.
The acting was fine, with Sarah Sayed's performance being a stand- out. Any future movie should give her character more depth, Sarah Sayed has the talent to do it justice.
There's a hesitation to be critical of any Christian movie so people end up rating the intention instead. Of course such efforts as Helling's deserve 10 stars, but I'm not God and only He can judge a person's heart and intent, so I'm left to rate the movie.
I hope to see Helling improve upon this first effort and that his movies become widespread and effective.
I cried more than once. Very meditative and emotionally impactful.
danielharmon31 March 2023
This movie helped me understand the story of Abraham and Isaac more deeply than ever. And it strengthened my relationship with the Lord. If you liked The Chosen and Risen, you'll likely really enjoy this film.
This is a theater experience. Fair warning: the movie is sometimes a bit slow. But that is also its strength because it gives you time to reflect, absorb and think. And it has limitations because it was a low budget film. But the actors give great performances, and the context and weight of Abraham's story is very powerful.
Although it is low budget, it feels like they stretched their dollars well. The costumes and setting are great, and the effects are decent.
This is a theater experience. Fair warning: the movie is sometimes a bit slow. But that is also its strength because it gives you time to reflect, absorb and think. And it has limitations because it was a low budget film. But the actors give great performances, and the context and weight of Abraham's story is very powerful.
Although it is low budget, it feels like they stretched their dollars well. The costumes and setting are great, and the effects are decent.
Not biblically accurate. Lack of story building.
johnnytriathlete11 August 2023
The story is wrongly depicted and is not an accurate account of how God communicated with Abraham. First and foremost, the true God never directly appeared before Abraham in any shape or form, for God is a Spirit, (John. 4:24). Who has no flesh and bones, (Luke 24:36). And is invisible, (I Timothy 1:17). It was the voice of God which called out to Abraham in the opening of Genesis 22. Not a man appearing as God. Also take note, God said,... "You cannot see my face, for man shall not see Me and live" (Exodus 33:20). Furthermore, even the apostle John declared that "no man has seen God at any time" (John 1:18). Therefore, Abraham would have died had he gazed upon the true God, who is none other than the Father. Even Abrahams first encounter with God, what appeared before him were 3 Angels/ Messengers manifested in human form. (Genesis 18).
The movie failed short in its story development. It should have started with the build up of Sarah being barren and the promise of God to make Abraham a father with his first miracle child being Issac to build context to the story line that leads up to the ultimate test of sacrifice. A great opportunity was missed to tell a great story and struggles of Abraham and Sarah and the birth of their first child Issac, and how Issac was so special and dearly loved by Abraham to bring the story to full light. The story had so much potential, but unfortunately failed to deliver. The script was poorly written for a great cinema experience to bring the story of Abraham to life.
This movie is a far cry compared to the great story telling of "The Chosen" and the quality of its characters and delivery.
The movie failed short in its story development. It should have started with the build up of Sarah being barren and the promise of God to make Abraham a father with his first miracle child being Issac to build context to the story line that leads up to the ultimate test of sacrifice. A great opportunity was missed to tell a great story and struggles of Abraham and Sarah and the birth of their first child Issac, and how Issac was so special and dearly loved by Abraham to bring the story to full light. The story had so much potential, but unfortunately failed to deliver. The script was poorly written for a great cinema experience to bring the story of Abraham to life.
This movie is a far cry compared to the great story telling of "The Chosen" and the quality of its characters and delivery.
Don't go at night or you will have trouble staying awake.
arwhiston3 April 2023
I am a supporter of this movie and Angel studios with my money. Did you think lowering expectations prior to the film by letting us know how little money was spent on the production. So let's get to it. My biggest disappointment was Abraham and Sarah. Not saying Sarah was not a good actress. The main point of the only son of Abraham was how old he was! Wasn't he and Sarah about 98 years old when Isaac was born?? That is why the only son is such a big deal - he can't just go have another one by a way past child bearing years Sarah. A 30 something year old Sarah giving birth, and the 40 something year old Sarah sending him off with a middle aged Abraham. Why? I kept asking myself throughout the film... WHY? The miracle of God was evident by the age of Abraham and Sarah giving birth. Casting Isaac as what I kept thinking was a teenage Elvis Presley was my second major disappointment. Please. Please put more thought into some reasonable attempt at realism. This young man was no one's mental image of a Jewish Isaac.
Now that being out of the way... the dialog and pace of Abraham actor was painfully slow. Next movie some intensity please on a main character that is central to the entire project. I told my wife that a 3 day journey to Mount Moriah by an obviously very aged Abraham would have made for many opportunities to add drama. I appreciated the attempt to add drama and excitement during that 3 day journey. A surround sound booming "Abraham" spoken by God right at the critical moment would have been excellent and gripping at the point on Mount Moriah. You know which one I mean. There should have been and could have been many more events to keep the audience interested and engaged.
This could have been written and directed so much better. I so hope that the producers read these honest reviews. Really... I want more films and projects like this! I believe in the mission! My deep longing is that someone is able to make a feature film of Revelation 21. I know it would involve an epic amount of CGI. Rainbow around the throne and a depart from me I never knew you moment. That could change the world if you guys can do this! At the end credits put a QR code on the screen and reap converts.
I am a financial supporter of The Chosen , which is wonderfully written and acted. I also supported His Only Son. Please producers accept these reviews and take them as instructive. You have a huge base wanting more of this content - but only if done more like The Chosen in quality.
Now that being out of the way... the dialog and pace of Abraham actor was painfully slow. Next movie some intensity please on a main character that is central to the entire project. I told my wife that a 3 day journey to Mount Moriah by an obviously very aged Abraham would have made for many opportunities to add drama. I appreciated the attempt to add drama and excitement during that 3 day journey. A surround sound booming "Abraham" spoken by God right at the critical moment would have been excellent and gripping at the point on Mount Moriah. You know which one I mean. There should have been and could have been many more events to keep the audience interested and engaged.
This could have been written and directed so much better. I so hope that the producers read these honest reviews. Really... I want more films and projects like this! I believe in the mission! My deep longing is that someone is able to make a feature film of Revelation 21. I know it would involve an epic amount of CGI. Rainbow around the throne and a depart from me I never knew you moment. That could change the world if you guys can do this! At the end credits put a QR code on the screen and reap converts.
I am a financial supporter of The Chosen , which is wonderfully written and acted. I also supported His Only Son. Please producers accept these reviews and take them as instructive. You have a huge base wanting more of this content - but only if done more like The Chosen in quality.
Cash Grab Based on a Story Nobody Should Revere
sdicus121 February 2024
ATTN: If you hear a voice telling you to gut your kid, please contact a mental health professional.
Slow, plodding, and not true to the source material. Isaac was Abraham's second son, he had an older brother named Ishmael, so the title of the film is a misnomer at best. It's understandable to make changes in Biblical stories because to accurately portray most of them in a movie would cast the Bible in a very bad light, but this was a very basic and glaring omission.
It's understandable how in The Ten Commandments Pharaoh doesn't drown in the Red Sea like the Bible claims. That would open a huge can of worms and cause many people to realize the story is fiction. But to name this film His Only Son when Abraham had two at the time he was told to gut Issac to slake Yahweh's blood lust is like calling the DeMille classic The Five Commandments. You know half of it is missing.
There's no good reason to watch this, either as entertainment or as a religious exercise.
Slow, plodding, and not true to the source material. Isaac was Abraham's second son, he had an older brother named Ishmael, so the title of the film is a misnomer at best. It's understandable to make changes in Biblical stories because to accurately portray most of them in a movie would cast the Bible in a very bad light, but this was a very basic and glaring omission.
It's understandable how in The Ten Commandments Pharaoh doesn't drown in the Red Sea like the Bible claims. That would open a huge can of worms and cause many people to realize the story is fiction. But to name this film His Only Son when Abraham had two at the time he was told to gut Issac to slake Yahweh's blood lust is like calling the DeMille classic The Five Commandments. You know half of it is missing.
There's no good reason to watch this, either as entertainment or as a religious exercise.
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