Lost in a World of Darkness

What would you do if you found yourself in a parallel world away from the person you love the most? What would you do to get back to your reality? While I was unprepared for this dystopian world based on the book of Job, it is compelling and thought-provoking. In The Shift Christian Movie Review, I give you the information you need before viewing this movie with your children.

The Shift Christian Movie Review

Studio Synopsis:

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.

My Synopsis:

Kevin Garner finds he lives in a world where he doesn’t belong. He is promised an ideal life by a mysterious stranger named The Benefactor if he will compromise his values. He longs to return to his beloved wife Molly, but he refuses to accept the terms offered to him. 

Additionally, Kevin realizes who The Benefactor is (Satan), and that his goal is to cause chaos.

As the years pass, Kevin continues to hold onto his faith, even when friends try to convince him that God has forsaken him. His entire goal is to get his hand on a deviator, which is a device that moves people to different dimensions, so he can return to his wife.

The Shift Christian Movie Review What Parents Want to Know

At the end of this review, I give more details about the film that may be triggering for some.

Language:

The language in this film is exceedingly clean. However, there is the use of p-ssed.

Violence:

A car accident occurs, and the driver is injured. Furthermore, he is shown with a bloody hand and other injuries throughout the movie. 

In a series of quick flashes into other lives (version of Kevin), the audience sees him holding a man underwater, in prison, at a strip club (nothing is shown), robbing a bank, and shooting a man (again, nothing is shown on camera, but you know what has happened).

In flashbacks, you see Kevin’s “near-perfect” life. You also see a woman screaming in childbirth. Furthermore, there are scenes that show what led to Kevin and his wife having marital problems.

There are a few scenes with tanks, bombs exploding, and militant soldiers with white masks. These “police” throw smoke bombs and fire at the residents. Additionally, Kevin goes looking for a gun.

One person disappears when The Benefactor sends her to an alternate reality.

Additionally, there are some disturbing scenes in a mental hospital with shooting. Kevin trashes his motel room, overturning tables and breaking everything in sight.

Spiritual Content:

The Benefactor is the devil. He repeatedly lies about who God is. Furthermore, he says that “God has abandoned” Kevin. The devil also says that God is messing with Kevin, and he asks the question, “If God really loved you, why didn’t he stop me?”

Additionally, Satan says, “I am greater than Him.” (Meaning God).

Kevin is shown praying several times. He also types Bible stories. However, scripture is illegal in the world where Kevin is living.

Adult Content:

Two characters are recovering alcoholics, and a few times, one is tempted to drink. There is a scene where one is in a bar with a beer, but he ends up not drinking. The other one does begin drinking. 

A couple is shown kissing several times.

In an alternate timeline, Kevin is shown with different women in compromising positions.

Positive Content:

The Shift is an allegory based on the Book of Job. The main character holds onto hope in the resurrection with an open tomb. In fact, he holds onto his faith in God even in the darkest moments. When faced with an impossible decision, he decides to trust in the One. 

This film depicts a Christian’s life and their journey with right & wrong and good versus evil. Ironically, the devil lays out what sin really is — selfishness. It is the desire for our way regardless of who it hurts.

There are moments when we are living our best life, and everything seems heavenly, and then suddenly, we are transported to what seems like an alternate universe. We are reminded that this is not our home. Kevin repeats that line several times — “This is not my home.” 

Additionally, the film highlights the silence of God — those moments, weeks, or years where we cry out to God and feel abandoned.

Finally, just as in the story of Job, Kevin eventually sees restoration. It is not as we would hope because he still is not home.

The Shift Christian Movie Review – My Viewing Recommendations

First, if you have never read the book of Job, I encourage you to do so. It is an emotionally heavy story with Job being tormented by Satan and then talking with his friends and God. 

Additionally, complex issues are explored in this film. Why doesn’t God answer? Why doesn’t God help? Where is God when I need him? Why do bad things happen to good people? 

Although The Shift struggles with being disjointed, which may make it difficult to capture the attention of some viewers, it still is a worthwhile movie to watch. In fact, I believe it is the type of film that needs to be viewed several times to really understand the nuances and double meanings.

Furthermore, I firmly believe in watching, supporting, and sharing faith-based films with those around me. If that is important to you, you will want to see this film too.

Finally, it is my hope you will preview The Shift before viewing with your children!

About the Movie:

Rating: PG-13 for violence and thematic elements

Release Date: December 1, 2023

Runtime: 1 hour, 55 minutes

Genre: Drama/Fantasy/Sci-Fi

Studio: Nook Lane Entertainment

Director: Brock Heasley 

Written by: Brock Heasley 

Producer: Ken Carpenter

Edited by: Chris Witt

Distributed by: Angel Studios (The Studio that brought you Sound of Freedom and After Death.)

The Cast of The Shift

Kevin Garner played by Kristoffer Polaha

The Benefactor played by Neal McDonough

Molly Garner played by Elizabeth Tabish (Mary Magdalene from The Chosen)

Gabriel played by Sean Astin (Samwise Gamgee from Lord of the Rings)

Tina played by Rose Reid

Russo played by John Billingsley

Rajiv Nadir played by Paras Patel (Matthew from The Chosen)

Priya Nadir played by Jordan Alexandra

Brendan played by Jordan Walker Ross

Cyrus played by Jason Marsden

Tabitha played by Emily Rose

Brett played by Nolan North

Mayor Navarro played by Tyler Merritt

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can I watch The Shift?

The Shift was released into theaters on December 1, 2023.

Will The Shift stream on Disney+? 

The Shift is a production from Angel Studios, so it will not be streaming on Disney+.

Where was The Shift filmed?

The Shift was filmed in Birmingham, Alabama. In fact, the streets of downtown Birmingham were closed for filming.

How much did it cost to produce The Shift?

Production costs for The Shift were $6.5 million.

What were the Benefactor’s terms?

Each of the Kevins that The Benefactor has made deals with have accepted, until the current Kevin who has rejected the terms presented to him. The Benefactor has the ability to shift people from one reality to another.

If Kevin will only come work for him, he is promised the Molly of his dreams, wealth, and power. When you go to work for the Benefactor, you are given a deviator and then you are commanded to disrupt other people’s lives.

Was there a message at the end of the film?

Yes. The message was to shine our light with little acts of kindness. Additionally, everyone was encouraged to pay it forward for others to share this message with others.

SPOILER ALERT:

Kevin and his wife have a son. In a flashback scene, they are in a grocery store and are talking to another couple. Their son is right with them, but in a moment, he is gone. Later, the police come to their house with his backpack. While Kevin refuses to believe that his son isn’t dead, his wife begins drinking.