Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Screenwise Verdict

Look, I'll be straight: this movie is rough. Not just because of the crucifixion violence (though that's real and intense), but because it's genuinely hard to watch in the 'am I allowed to check my phone' sense.

The critics weren't being mean—17% on Rotten Tomatoes reflects a film that's dramatically inert despite covering one of history's most compelling stories. It's reverent to a fault, trading any creative vision for a checklist approach to scripture. Even kid reviewers on Common Sense Media called it 'awful, boring, and lame.'

If you're a Christian family wanting to show your teens a Jesus film, this exists. The 73% audience score shows believers appreciate the effort. But there are better options (The Chosen series, for instance, brings actual character development and watchability). And if you're not specifically seeking faith content, there's zero reason to subject anyone to this.

The violence is genuinely rough—not gratuitous, but prolonged and graphic enough that sensitive kids will be disturbed. Combined with pacing that makes two hours feel like forty years in the desert, this is a hard pass for most families.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media's 14+ rating is spot-on due to graphic crucifixion violence. Even then, this is really only for families who specifically want faith-based biblical content—most teens will find it painfully slow and dated.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

62

Models faith, sacrifice, and compassion through Jesus's life story. However, Common Sense Media and parent reviews note the crucifixion sequence is graphically violent with whipping, torture, and extended suffering. The emotional tone is reverent but heavy, not exactly uplifting viewing for most kids.

Imaginative

28

A straightforward biblical retelling with no creative interpretation or visual innovation. Critics panned it as 'bland' (17% RT critic score, 37 Metacritic). This is Sunday school footage stretched to feature length—no curiosity sparked, no wonder invited. It's paint-by-numbers scripture.

Safe

45

The crucifixion violence is the major safety concern: prolonged whipping, torture, blood, and graphic suffering. Common Sense Media rates it 14+ specifically for this 'very violent' content. Multiple kid reviewers called it 'very graphic' and rated it R. It's not surprise gore—you know it's coming—but it's intense enough to be genuinely disturbing for younger viewers.

Enriching

48

For Christian families, there's theological value in seeing Jesus's ministry dramatized. But the execution (pun regrettable) is so wooden that it fails to inspire or educate effectively. The 73% audience score suggests believers appreciate the effort, but a 2.9 Letterboxd rating and universal critical panning indicate this doesn't deliver meaningful insight or emotional growth. You'd learn more from actually reading the Gospels.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Covers Jesus's life from birth through resurrection for families wanting biblical content
Models sacrifice, compassion, and forgiveness as core values
The 73% audience score suggests devout Christian viewers appreciate the reverent approach
Available free on Tubi if you want to preview before committing

⚠

What to Watch For

Graphic violence during the crucifixion—prolonged whipping, torture, blood, and suffering that earned it a 14+ rating
Critically panned as bland and boring (17% critic score)—most kids will struggle to stay engaged
Some Christian reviewers claim the film deviates from Gospel accounts with 'new age' interpretations
At 2+ hours, it's a long sit for material that doesn't exactly crackle with energy

Conversation Starters

"What do you think Jesus's teachings about loving your enemies mean in real life?"
"The crucifixion scene was really hard to watch. How do you think people found the strength to keep believing after that?"
"If you could ask Jesus one question about his life, what would it be?"
"Why do you think the disciples were willing to give up everything to follow him?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Son of God