382 reviews
Some great science fiction ideas given a religious twist
I watched this for about a half hour before I got the religious overtones. Before that it felt very much like a Stephen King book made into film.
The film had a very interesting start that lagged a little when he tried to figure out his new world. The movie draws on stone other film for inspiration, The Book of Eli and the Marvel movies with their multiverse to name but two.
The ending was heartfelt and in these modern times,that is to be applauded.
Is the movie a masterpiece? No Is it worth a watch? Definitely.
There is nothing in the production that is particularly amazing. The acting, direction and cinematography are all passable.
The film had a very interesting start that lagged a little when he tried to figure out his new world. The movie draws on stone other film for inspiration, The Book of Eli and the Marvel movies with their multiverse to name but two.
The ending was heartfelt and in these modern times,that is to be applauded.
Is the movie a masterpiece? No Is it worth a watch? Definitely.
There is nothing in the production that is particularly amazing. The acting, direction and cinematography are all passable.
- stevelivesey-37183
- Feb 12, 2024
- Permalink
A decent blend between sci-fi and spirituality/Gnosticism
I don't think this movie deserves the low reviews it's getting based on people who cannot entertain the Christian/spiritual themes of the movie. I found it to be refreshing take on sci fi and overall social commentary that leaves you thinking about the world we live in today.
With this said, I wouldn't say it's a great movie, but not because of the content but because of the execution. The concepts are great but at times it feels a bit cheesy or for me and plot points don't quite add up, which reminds me I'm watching a movie. But overall it's Better than a lot of other movies being made now a days with bigger budgets and cast. Once again I'm really impressed with what Angel Studios has achieved.
6.5/10.
With this said, I wouldn't say it's a great movie, but not because of the content but because of the execution. The concepts are great but at times it feels a bit cheesy or for me and plot points don't quite add up, which reminds me I'm watching a movie. But overall it's Better than a lot of other movies being made now a days with bigger budgets and cast. Once again I'm really impressed with what Angel Studios has achieved.
6.5/10.
- michigan_football
- Feb 16, 2024
- Permalink
Loved being able to watch a Christian movie that was different than the usual.
I enjoyed it, but it was a little far out, but it is a sci-fi. It was clean. No nudity or bad language that I remember. There was some screaming, extreme anger, and violence. My emotions were all over the place. It was full of ups and downs. Loved the acting from every character. Great love story in many ways. The movie was a bit slow and depressing in some parts. Maybe by design but I think the slowness went on a little too long causing my crew to start loosing interest. There were also to many unanswered questions. But all in all it was a great night out with the family. Provoked a good conversation. Go support the film and these great film makers.
- chiroshell-55043
- Dec 2, 2023
- Permalink
Powerful film for everyone
I wasn't sure what to expect when I heard about this movie. I almost didn't go to the screening; I don't see many movies in theaters anyway. I am so glad I went to see this movie in the theater. It's deep, impactful, and has stuck with me for days. I'm not necessarily a sci-fi or faith movie fan, and you don't need to be to enjoy this movie. Its faith element is very subtle. I plan to see the movie again on opening weekend in theaters with a couple of friends. The woman who plays the lead in the movie was absolutely breathtaking. If you want to see a real, heartfelt, well-made film this year, don't miss this one.
- Leon-Kelly
- Nov 22, 2023
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I felt like Job watching this because it's that bad
This film is a parallel to Job from the Bible. Truth is, watching this film made me feel like I was being punished. It was that bad. I felt like I was Job. I leaned over to my wife and asked if she wanted to leave the theater. In our fifteen years of marriage I have never done that. The film was too long. Too boring. Too scattered. Didn't make sense. And lacked cohesion and rhythm. It's hard to describe how bad it was. I do like some of the messages portrayed here. But it was essentially a mix of Dr Strange, hallmark, marvel multiverse, and a Christian background. It didn't feel like a sci-fi or a romance or a drama. It didn't know what it was. So it ended up being very poor.
- thomson6-40-770760
- Dec 2, 2023
- Permalink
Started Good Shifted to Bad
A religious movie about a man named Kevin who is transported into another world and uses god to get out.
Honestly this movie was really not that good. I went into this movie blind, as an atheist so this is a little biased. Don't get me wrong the movie started off so interesting and had so much potential. It had a super interesting plot however, it just fell very flat. It became so focused on the religious message that the plot fell apart and just wasn't as exciting. For someone of the religion it may have been more exciting however it just fell apart.
The story itself had a lot of holes too. For instance the ending doesn't completely work, the shifting has some holes in it as well. It isn't completely explained and while they do explain a lot, it still feels confusing.
The soundtrack is also pretty bad. It is the most basic religious movie soundtrack and it really doesn't add that much to the movie.
The acting however is very good. Every character does a good job and really puts in a lot of emotion that makes the story more bareable.
In conclusion, the movie was not very good. It had such a fascinating concept that is overruled by an over religious path as well as story holes and a boring soundtrack.
Honestly this movie was really not that good. I went into this movie blind, as an atheist so this is a little biased. Don't get me wrong the movie started off so interesting and had so much potential. It had a super interesting plot however, it just fell very flat. It became so focused on the religious message that the plot fell apart and just wasn't as exciting. For someone of the religion it may have been more exciting however it just fell apart.
The story itself had a lot of holes too. For instance the ending doesn't completely work, the shifting has some holes in it as well. It isn't completely explained and while they do explain a lot, it still feels confusing.
The soundtrack is also pretty bad. It is the most basic religious movie soundtrack and it really doesn't add that much to the movie.
The acting however is very good. Every character does a good job and really puts in a lot of emotion that makes the story more bareable.
In conclusion, the movie was not very good. It had such a fascinating concept that is overruled by an over religious path as well as story holes and a boring soundtrack.
- jamesgreenwall
- Dec 5, 2023
- Permalink
A dystopian take on religious sermon.
A weird dystopian sci-fi story with a heavy focus on its religiously inspired plot. The story has substance and with strong acting performances and a somewhat realistic 'police state' setting it makes for compelling viewing, but it also overcomplicates itself by trying to fit in too much. The heavy emphasis on religious allegory, romance, drama and action scenes are all good, but I found it to be a bit boring. Some of the subtle special effects were good whereas others looked cheap, the overly loud music drowned out the atmosphere and the ending, whilst expected, felt a bit of a cop out.
6/10.
6/10.
- sbweightman
- Dec 18, 2023
- Permalink
A Religious Message Disguised as a Sci Fi Movie
What a joke! I can't believe i was duped into paying for a religious sermon of "Hope" for 2 hours. Very forgettable, thank goodness!
The story itself was poorly written, even putting aside the obvious in-your-face, repetitive hope message. Not even worh the Netflix time to watch this.
Actors were second rate except for the "Benefactor" who is well known in the movie industry and carries what little life this movie could muster. Too bad his talents is associated with this poor story line. What mega church paid to get this made ?
Save your money and time, not recommended to watch, even for free.
The story itself was poorly written, even putting aside the obvious in-your-face, repetitive hope message. Not even worh the Netflix time to watch this.
Actors were second rate except for the "Benefactor" who is well known in the movie industry and carries what little life this movie could muster. Too bad his talents is associated with this poor story line. What mega church paid to get this made ?
Save your money and time, not recommended to watch, even for free.
Rewatchable Allegory
I've watched The Shift many times now and each time I've watched it I've seen another layer to the story, the sound effects, and the music. This is one of those films that is difficult to describe except, "you should go see it for yourself to understand." It captures the feelings of despair I've felt during the low points in my life while providing a sense of hope based not on our surroundings but based on our choices. The most critical choice in life is if we are going to focus on ourselves and what we want verses focusing on others and our love for them. The Shift, I believe, will become a classic because it nails that truth extremely well.
- nealsharmon
- Nov 20, 2023
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Christianity Meets Sci-Fi
- stevendbeard
- Dec 3, 2023
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Religious film disguised as sci fi
- must_watch_it_all
- Dec 3, 2023
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I'm not generous with rating, but this was a solid 8 for me.
I had very high expectations for this film and for the most part it completely delivered. Inspired by the book of Job, I feel like it was a unique and creative modern/futuristic retelling. I thought the cast was amazing, however, there could have been a little more character development. We didn't have enough time to begin loving the main character and his relationship with his wife. I still loved it though.
I loved the setting and the darkness of the film, loved the casting, loved the quality of the film, and loved the depth of the storyline. It caused me to ponder the plot long after the movie had ended. The best thing was that it caused me to grab my Bible and look up some things from the book of Job. Well done!
I loved the setting and the darkness of the film, loved the casting, loved the quality of the film, and loved the depth of the storyline. It caused me to ponder the plot long after the movie had ended. The best thing was that it caused me to grab my Bible and look up some things from the book of Job. Well done!
Odd but worth the watch
This is a slightly odd, but captivating story of a man whose faith is put to the test by non other than an evil, devilish figure played perfectly by Neal McDonough.
The acting is superb and the characters are interesting and well developed. The story is interesting as well with an element of sci-fi as the devil and some of his advocats have devices that can shift people to other realities.
The protagonist Kevin Garner, played by Kristoff Polaher, has a car accident which leads to the meeting with the benefactor, or devil, who begins to tempt him with lies and false promises.i couldn't help but route for the good guy here.
The acting is superb and the characters are interesting and well developed. The story is interesting as well with an element of sci-fi as the devil and some of his advocats have devices that can shift people to other realities.
The protagonist Kevin Garner, played by Kristoff Polaher, has a car accident which leads to the meeting with the benefactor, or devil, who begins to tempt him with lies and false promises.i couldn't help but route for the good guy here.
Horrible
Ok, so I was hoping that this movie was going to be good by the looks of the trailers but I was sorely mistaken. I don't even know where to start. I think the movie was supposed to portray the fight between good and evil but the plot was so dumb that any moral of the story got lost by the confusing theme of the story. And the after the credits were run there was a short message given from the main actor to ask you to go to their website and buy tickets for all your friends to go see the movie. That just screams the modern day church trying to dig their hands deep in your pockets for more money in the name of religion. And I say that as a Christian myself. It's really disgraceful.
- lashk-973-185385
- Dec 2, 2023
- Permalink
Trapped in the Cineplex
- diana-ogles
- Dec 2, 2023
- Permalink
Christian fantasy about praying being illegal
Very amazing fantasy movie for Christians, as it's all about their perceived persecution in today's political climate.
In the movie, some guy says a prayer (obliterating Satan) and is then forced into hiding for it by the media/police because it's illegal in the movie and that's what Christians believe is happening in real life. They want to be victims SO BADLY that they will portray this as what will happen to Christians in the very near future.
The total victimhood shown in this movie for the religious protagonist is so cringeworthy I had to walk out early rather than endure another minute of this drivel.
Never again going to endure another Angel Studios movie. I should have known by the fact that they're still distributing tickets for free what kind of movie to expect. I suspect they likely had another mid-credits plea begging the audience to buy tickets online to distribute to people for free (looking at you, Sound of Freedom).
Total cringe, don't waste your time.
In the movie, some guy says a prayer (obliterating Satan) and is then forced into hiding for it by the media/police because it's illegal in the movie and that's what Christians believe is happening in real life. They want to be victims SO BADLY that they will portray this as what will happen to Christians in the very near future.
The total victimhood shown in this movie for the religious protagonist is so cringeworthy I had to walk out early rather than endure another minute of this drivel.
Never again going to endure another Angel Studios movie. I should have known by the fact that they're still distributing tickets for free what kind of movie to expect. I suspect they likely had another mid-credits plea begging the audience to buy tickets online to distribute to people for free (looking at you, Sound of Freedom).
Total cringe, don't waste your time.
- avatyler-55267
- Dec 11, 2023
- Permalink
Hard to watch
Normally I love just about everything Angel Studios puts out. This one is a tough one to get behind. The story is, in my opinion, very hard to follow and stay engaged in. I actually started the movie, got easily distracted, and came back to it and started it over. The acting is good, the cinematography is good, but the story is odd, hard to stay engaged with. It's the same idea good vs evil. The devil makes you all these glorious offers and promises, tries to break your believes, trust, faith in God. As Christians we all know that God tests us. We all know that the devil is always present and trying to tempt us. It's our faith in God that keeps us grounded, it keeps us steadfast and strong. This movie seems to indirectly tiptoe around all of this. It just wasn't what I expecting nor was it as thought provoking and soul touching as other productions by Angel Studios.
- pondering_always
- Mar 23, 2024
- Permalink
I'm Christian, but still found it horrible
Badly paced and borderline nonsensical. The religious allegory is muddied by the confusing sci-if integrations. Satan's whole chaos plan of shifting people around is absurd. The acting is very tv show-ish (if you know, you know). The whole premise begs WAY more questions than it answers. AND (probably least importantly, but still funnily) the main character's name is Kevin, which becomes hilarious as everyone whispers his name with reverence. Ugh.
I'm a religious person, but I also like good stories and can tell a good movie when I see one. This was simply very very bad. I'd be embarrassed to watch this with a non-religious friend simply because the plot and acting are so wildly cringey.
I'm a religious person, but I also like good stories and can tell a good movie when I see one. This was simply very very bad. I'd be embarrassed to watch this with a non-religious friend simply because the plot and acting are so wildly cringey.
- lillivehikite
- Nov 29, 2023
- Permalink
Makes you think
I believe this film was written and acted with one intention - to make you think. With that in mind, I think there is at least one layer of meaning some people may miss. (Kind of like 'don't judge a book by its cover.') In another review of this film, the reviewer used the word gloomy. But, do we not live in a gloomy world? Are we not surrounded by darkness? How many of us see the darkness? Isn't it well hidden behind modern day benefactors?!
Quietly woven into the story or more questions - Is faith in God important? Can we pray our way out of difficult circumstances? Are we placing hope where we should place it or where we shouldn't? If we hold on to our faith in God during tough times, will we be blessed?
Kristoffer Polaha did a fantastic job, as did all the other actors. Definitely worth watching. Go see this film and then go home and ponder it's many layers of meaning!
Quietly woven into the story or more questions - Is faith in God important? Can we pray our way out of difficult circumstances? Are we placing hope where we should place it or where we shouldn't? If we hold on to our faith in God during tough times, will we be blessed?
Kristoffer Polaha did a fantastic job, as did all the other actors. Definitely worth watching. Go see this film and then go home and ponder it's many layers of meaning!
Some parts of the script tried too hard
I wanted to like all of the movie but parts tried too hard. I love that it was made and the message of Job is a great one. The attempt to make it a sci-fi movie might have been going a bit too far.
I thought if it had been a bit more "dark George Bailey" instead of "post-apocalypse George Bailey" I would have liked it more.
Neal McDonough was great and Kevin was wonderful too. More character development was have been appreciated. Sean Astin's character was not developed well. It had flashes of greatness. Unfortunately there were too many misses that kept it from being great.
Still it is worth seeing. I think those that appreciate the Bible will enjoy this view of the biblical story of Job.
I thought if it had been a bit more "dark George Bailey" instead of "post-apocalypse George Bailey" I would have liked it more.
Neal McDonough was great and Kevin was wonderful too. More character development was have been appreciated. Sean Astin's character was not developed well. It had flashes of greatness. Unfortunately there were too many misses that kept it from being great.
Still it is worth seeing. I think those that appreciate the Bible will enjoy this view of the biblical story of Job.
- joejohnsey
- Nov 21, 2023
- Permalink
Bad, I mean really bad.
I'm not sure who should feel more insulted or duped, sci-fi fans or Christians? This is just awful from beginning to end. The acting by Neal McDonaugh as the Benefactor is so over the top it's comical. You want to feel for Kevin with the loss of his wife, but it's just too absurd to take seriously. Sean Astin really deserves better roles than this crap too. This is the last time I go into a movie without finding out what the actual plot is. I feel ripped off even though this viewed through AMC's A-List subscription pass and I didn't have to technically pay to watch it. Never again will I be duped into watching something like this ever again.
- Greg_The_MovieMan
- Dec 9, 2023
- Permalink
The best movie Angel Studios has made yet
Yesterday, I watched a movie in theaters for the first time in nearly four years. That movie was The Shift, and the only regret I have from yesterday is that I did not pay enough.
The Shift is so much better than many of the online reviews admit. It is deep, beautiful, powerful, action packed, suspenseful, and intriguing all at the same time. It is not your typical Christian movie, with all the preachy cheesy acting and low-budget constraints. This is a Hollywood-quality movie, with a cast filled with A-list actors and a crew filled with professionals.
The movie isn't perfect, but its flaws are limited to some of the cuts being awkward and the CGI being better in some scenes than in others. Luckily, for most of the movie, the cinematography and special effects are just as great as the rest of the movie.
Prepare to cry at the ending, as it is extremely powerful - and I've seen a lot of emotional movies, so I should know! You will not regret watching this movie; it is without a doubt the best movie Angel Studios has made yet. Don't listen to the negative Rotten Tomatoes reviews - most of which are written by atheists who hate any movie that please Him; go watch the movie yourself. Trust me; you too will leave the movie wishing you had paid more to see it.
The Shift is so much better than many of the online reviews admit. It is deep, beautiful, powerful, action packed, suspenseful, and intriguing all at the same time. It is not your typical Christian movie, with all the preachy cheesy acting and low-budget constraints. This is a Hollywood-quality movie, with a cast filled with A-list actors and a crew filled with professionals.
The movie isn't perfect, but its flaws are limited to some of the cuts being awkward and the CGI being better in some scenes than in others. Luckily, for most of the movie, the cinematography and special effects are just as great as the rest of the movie.
Prepare to cry at the ending, as it is extremely powerful - and I've seen a lot of emotional movies, so I should know! You will not regret watching this movie; it is without a doubt the best movie Angel Studios has made yet. Don't listen to the negative Rotten Tomatoes reviews - most of which are written by atheists who hate any movie that please Him; go watch the movie yourself. Trust me; you too will leave the movie wishing you had paid more to see it.
- sjwestbrooks
- Dec 1, 2023
- Permalink
Good but could have been better
- ericaharris1908
- Dec 1, 2023
- Permalink
The biggest deception
This movie is disguised as science fiction, but in reality is a bad done regions movie that tries to show the book of Job in a futuristic ill complete structure. It is bore, lacks of originality and tries to show a messages of hope about God and what happens if one have faith to believe on him.
The main problem is they lie when show the trailers, never mentioned was about religion trying to convince people about something that isn't supposed to happen in a movie.
On top of being a terrible movie, the lie is not going with me, so if the producers try to convince the audience about a message, they should use another methods, not contaminate the movies with garbage.
The main problem is they lie when show the trailers, never mentioned was about religion trying to convince people about something that isn't supposed to happen in a movie.
On top of being a terrible movie, the lie is not going with me, so if the producers try to convince the audience about a message, they should use another methods, not contaminate the movies with garbage.
- nazralph-736-748161
- Dec 1, 2023
- Permalink
Horrible!
Not sure if the folks leaving positive reviews saw the same movie as me but I found it horrible, the reference to the book of Job is far fetched, seems like a cheap sci-fi movie that threw in some bible references so the Christian would flock to see it. As I Christian I found it weird, if you read the book of Job this movie is hardly relatable. Sure he has a slight cough and loses his job and wife but that's about it, I found myself praying that the movie would just end. The movie had about 8 elderly folks in it ,I think some Churches are giving away free tickets....not sure why. I don't think I will see any more of Angel's movies!