The Shack (2017) [Movie Review]


Dir: Stuart Hazeldine
Starring: Sam Worthington, Octavia Spencer
Dur: 2 hrs 12 mins
Genre: Christian Drama
Rating: 8/10

The Shack is based on the 2007 novel of the same name by William Young. It tells the incredible story of a man who loses his youngest daughter to a murderer while on a vacation with his kids. The murder leaves him in a dark place. He grows distant from his family and the relationship among the family members grows fragile. Suddenly he receives a cryptic letter inviting him to the shack where his daughter was murdered. After a little haggling he goes and experiences a life-changing drama. His transformation from darkness to light is the focus of the film.

The first part of the film shows what life was like for the family. It stresses the good nature and closeness of the family. They attend church faithfully and live devout lives until their faith is tested. The film draws on a number of themes like authenticity of faith, trust in God, forgiveness, letting go, love. Sam is a treat to watch. The film is well imagined and the story flows well. I was a bit thrown off by the manner in which the daughter’s disappearance was portrayed. It seemed pretty artificial to me but that isn’t the focus of the film at all. What the film really wants to stress on is the reaction to the calamity. Its quite easy to believe in God and trust in His plan if you and your family are healthy and well but it is in the moments of crisis that faith is tested.

The film brilliantly displays one man’s journey to faith and forgiveness. The film is explicitly Christian in theme and character and so people of other faith might wary of watching it but honestly it would make for a fantastic movie experience. I warmly recommend every Christian to make it a point to watch this thrilling story. I don’t think the film can leave you unaffected. The performances of the actors was superb and you can’t help but ask yourself a few questions. If you do so and attempt to seek answers to those questions than I think the purpose of this film has been achieved.  

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CL0yUbSS5Eg

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