Faith-based movies have done quite well for themselves lately at the box office. But, it is the rare film rooted in the Bible that reaches an audience beyond the believers. If any film can do that, it is the latest from director Kevin Reynolds, Risen.
Reynolds co-wrote the screenplay and directed this tale that takes a unique look at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the days after that seismic event that changed the world. What sets Risen apart from other Bible stories, and other the Passion of the Christ tales is that this film feels more like a swords and sandals episode of CSI.
Risen is a detective story that becomes a film focused on faith only in its final act.
Joseph Fiennes is Clavius, a Roman soldier who has earned the favor of the higher ups in his Middle Eastern encampment. Pilate (Peter Firth) has had him keep an eye on things in a certain part of the landscape where a leader of the faithful named Yeshua (Cliff Curtis), Jesus’ Hebrew name, has recently been crucified. The Roman leader feels that a rebellion could be brewing as Yeshua’s followers are a passionate bunch, likely to look for any sign from above to draw their swords and attack their Roman overlords.
Immediately, things get mysterious. The site of Yeshua’s tomb is busted open the night after his death and the body is missing. Clavius commences an investigation that leads him on a journey of discovery and yes, some faith.
In classic crime scene format, nobody is talking. Even Yeshua’s followers, now being called disciples by the Romans, know that something is up – but aren’t saying. But where the Romans believe that the body has been stolen in order to cite an uprising, the disciples believe that Yeshua now walks among us, Risen from the dead.
Fiennes plays the inquisitor role well. These are confusing times in Risen, and the UK actor does the biblical epic thing quite well. The audience is up for taking the journey with Fiennes. With him leading the way, one gets a first-hand view of how a non-believer could become a believer in a matter of days. Given what he experiences, it’s easy to see how he would be a convert. Unfortunately, the film becomes less interesting when Fiennes’ character makes that turn. It works much better and should have spent more time on the “detective story” element that carried the film for two acts.
The star here in terms of screen power is Curtis. This is one of the first times a depiction of Jesus actually fit the Middle Eastern locale of which he was born. Curtis not only looks like what you think Jesus would appear as, but his mannerisms, tone and even cadence makes you think, “Son of God.” The veteran thespian has played many parts and it has all led up to this as there is a scene in particular that showcases how he does so much by saying so little. The disciples are on a boat, not far off of land. They look up and it is he, slowly walking across where the beach meets the water. In a frenzy, they all quickly do what they can to get by his side. As a viewer, we are right there with them and that is the ultimate compliment for an actor who is playing someone so revered, worshiped and frankly, divisive.
Sadly, it is during this time of the story that it loses steam. The faithful will find the narrative perfectly engaging, but for those who sit on the outside of that circle, Risen devolves into another Bible flick preaching to the choir.
Grade: B-