The Shift: Science Fiction with Underlying Christian Tones
In recent years, the focus of Christian faith-based movies has been that of an uplifting, heartwarming nature.
While I adore films in that genre, I am also a fan of science fiction.
The Shift is a new film that merges faith with science fiction.
Many thanks to Angel Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review.
Opinions are 100% my own.
Synopsis of The Shift
In The Shift, a dystopian drama and sci-fi thriller, one man is faced with infinite worlds and impossible choices.
When Kevin Garner meets a nefarious adversary known as The Benefactor and refuses his offer of wealth and power, he must escape an alternate totalitarian reality.
With survival on the line, Kevin fights to make it back to the world he knows and the woman he loves.
Buy tickets today to see The Shift in theaters starting December 1st!
Our Thoughts on the Film
While this will not fall into our favorites category, it was a nice change of pace for us.
We quickly got the connection to the story of Job from The Bible.
Like Job, Kevin is being tested and feels that God has deserted him.
Also like Job, Kevin keeps his faith and continues to pray to God throughout his trials and tribulations.
Unlike Job, Kevin is in an alternate reality from the one he knows. He is pulled from his life and dropped into a desolate environment where he no longer has family and friends. He even suffers from physical ailments.
Both when he is first transported and then again after five years of torments, Kevin is presented with an ‘out’ by the Benefactor.
A choice that would be his last as he’d be a servant. A choice that all the other Kevins have taken.
He alone stands firm in faith; kneeling in prayer.
Character Portrayals
Overall, the acting is good. The cast features a few family favorites (Sean Astin and Neal McDonough) as well as some actors familiar to us from The Chosen.
Astin has embraced faith-based roles in the past. This time he takes on a character, Gabriel, who shows both a good and bad side.
McDonough does a wonderful job portraying the Benefactor. At times, he comes across like a great guy until you cross him and the more sinister, evil nature one might equate with a demon comes out.
The Setting
The beginning of the show may seem a little slow to some. However, they are trying to quickly show the story of Kevin and Grace. From when they meet, their courtship, marriage, becoming parents, and their struggles.
Many of these are done as flashes shown as they have their initial conversation in a bar where Kevin considers falling off the wagon into alcohol abuse.
Everything looks like you’d expect in America.
When Kevin is ‘shifted’ (the Benefactor’s term for moving people between realities), he is in a much darker world. One that is promoted as being ideal, but in reality it is filled with despair and indifference.
Glimpses into Alternate Realities
In the dystopian world, there are theaters where you can see your doppelgangers. The alternate yous across the “multiverse.”
While many visit the theater to escape their dismal life, Kevin goes in the hopes of finding HIS Grace.
When Kevin sits in the chair and views the alternate realities, he sees not only different ways his life could have gone, but also the different versions of Grace.
The control room can show exactly which world he sees with coordinates for it. Plugging that information into a temporal band worn by the unknown ‘shifters’, Kevin seeks to return to his wife.
Final Takeaway on The Shift
If you enjoy science fiction and the whole idea of the multiverse, this could be a good fit. While it is still a faith-based film, the story focuses more on the dystopian than pushing a message of embracing Christianity.
Win 2 Tickets to See The Shift
One lucky reader will win 2 tickets to see The Shift in theaters.
Enter this quick giveaway in the form below. The winner will be emailed on Sunday, December 3rd and have 24 hours to claim their prize.