Wait. What?!?

A Movie Review: The Last Supper

Other than the common What did you think? question my wife and I ask after a movie, I don’t typically provide a movie review. I’m aware I overanalyze at times (Ahem! Okay much too often.). But I think discernment is becoming less and less practiced in our world. The news is now opinion more than facts. Our digitized society has (d)evolved into letting others make the effort. And too many believe what they see or hear.

Technically, this isn’t really a movie review. I could offer opinions about the acting, the cinematography, or the pacing of the film. But you could find better reviews of those things elsewhere. I am particularly interested in seeing a “Christian movie” through the eyes of a church leader - one who is tasked with protecting the Church. By the way, when I hear the phrase “Christian movie,” I’m likely to cringe or be dismissive. All too often, these movies have been low budget.

The Last Supper (2025) is produced by Christian music artist Chris Tomlin. That is, this movie is not the same project as The Chosen: The Last Supper, which will also be in theaters at the same time. Tomlin’s production is directed by Mauro Borelli and hit theaters March 14. It’s important to distinguish between the projects. My wife and I saw Borelli’s film March 25.

Needless to say, I’m aware that when I purchased tickets, I was seeing a film - a piece of art. Along those lines, streaming service MUBI records Borelli as saying,

“So my approach even in films is always based on art and my education in art. How I start with the sketch. For example, do you start with detail and then expand? Or you start with the sketch that gives the overall thing and then you go and refine it. I start with the sketch and then I refine it because that’s my education.”

I appreciate Borelli’s honesty. Notice he says he begins with a sketch and then fills in details. Borelli is an artist. Herein lies the issue I have with the film. Within Scripture, there are interpretive questions. In other words, two people can read the Bible and interpret things different than the other person. This is why it’s extremely important to study the Word of God in community.

On the other hand, interpretive issues should never lend to creating one’s own story. In other words, even an artist cannot recreate the Gospel based upon their own feelings or what might sell. That’s exactly what happens in many “Christian” movies. When a gospel is realigned to fit a narrative, I would prefer to believe the gospel narrative over an artist’s rendition of the gospel.

Lest you think I’m making a mountain out of a molehill, here’s the problem with movies that move beyond the written text, PEOPLE BELIEVE IT! Sadly, even church goers aren’t immune. They may not know nor study their Bible well enough. Again, I’m a church leader called in part to protect those I lead. I can never turn that filter to the “Off” position in my head.

I can hear the argument that some might become believers, because of the film. I get that! But what do they really believe? It’s only a version of the Gospel. And a skewed one at that. Please understand I’m not anti-Borelli or anti-Tomlin or anti-cinematography. In fact, I enjoy movies. I enjoy art. I enjoy all kinds of music. It’s rewriting the Gospel to which I am opposed.

The Apostle Paul warns, Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness. 2 Timothy 2.15-16 ESV

This applies to preachers, to teachers, to artists, to musicians, and to you too. Rightly handle the word of truth. That’s a tall task, especially in the world in which we live.