Every time I am sent an early screening of a movie to review for you guys, I enjoy it. But I can honestly say that not one movie I’ve been sent has impacted me as much as the one I’m sharing with you all today. His Only Son is an absolutely fantastic film that our whole family enjoyed watching together this week.
His Only Son recounts one of the most controversial moments in the Old Testament—when Abraham was commanded by God to sacrifice his son Isaac on the mountain of Moriah. While traveling to the place of the sacrifice, alongside Isaac and two servants, Abraham is flooded with vivid memories from the years he and Sarah spent longing for the son they were promised—the son he must now lay upon the altar.
This film, His Only Son, is the first movie ever to crowdfund its theatrical release. The film partnered with Angel Studios—the studio that brought you The Chosen—in 2022 to crowdfund over $1,235,000 for its March 2023 theatrical release. Angel Studios themselves have produced several titles through crowdfunding, including The Chosen—whose episodes have been viewed over 420 million times—Dry Bar Comedy, The Wingfeather Saga, and The Tuttle Twins. And now they have turned their sites to their first full-length theatrical release movie!
His Only Son is an independent film made on a shoestring budget of less than $250,000 on its own but is now going to be screened in 1,200 theaters nationwide and counting! Initially it was set to premiere in around 600 theaters, but thanks to a crowdfund that raised over $1,235,000 in under a week and overwhelmingly positive reviews from audience members, it’s now showing in 1,200 theaters! Praise God!
Which is part of the reason I am coming to you right now about this incredible film. My family and I had the privilege of watching an early screening of it, and I am so excited to tell you all about it, in the hopes that you will decide to grab tickets and go see it, too! You can purchase tickets now here, as it officially released in theaters today!
This movie is one of the most impactful Easter films in a generation. It may seem strange to refer to a movie about Abraham and Isaac as an impactful Easter film, but I truly believe it is – and spending Easter weekend watching His Only Son with family and friends would be incredibly special. Here’s what I mean – not only does the sacrifice of Abraham and Isaac parallel the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, but the precise location where Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac – Mount Moriah – is also believed to be the same location where the Temple in Jerusalem was built, and where Christ was later crucified! Is that not mind-blowing? So special! Just as Abraham was willing to sacrifice his only son, so, too, was God the Father willing to sacrifice His. I truly believe that this movie, as an Easter film, will leave a profound spiritual impact.
Not only is the music in this movie beautiful and the cinematography breathtaking (my husband kept commenting on how he was shocked that this movie had such a low budget – it is so very well done!), but the script is incredible, as well. I went into the pre-screening of this film just expecting the movie to solely center on the events of Abraham’s being called to sacrifice Isaac (and wondering how an hour and a half was going to be taken up with just that!). But this movie – though, yes, centered on that story from Scripture – tells so much more, as well.
The writers and producers of this film did a beautiful job taking you along on the journey to Mount Moriah as Abraham prepares to sacrifice Isaac. But also interwoven through each of those scenes comes meaningful flashbacks to the other events of Abraham’s life – being called to leave his family and homeland behind and travel to a new place, his marriage to Sarah and their heartbreaking struggle of infertility, being given to Hagar and fathering Ishmael (and the effect this had on Sarah), and more.
Never before have I seen brought to the screen and brought to life the heart-wrenching struggles endured by Sarah. This film helps you to understand and empathize with Sarah, even if some of her choices were less than savory. This film truly does a masterful job of bringing her experiences to life and portrays her marriage to Abraham in a gutting and yet beautiful way.
Not only are Sarah’s experiences gutting, but you also clearly feel just what anguish Abraham endured at the thought of sacrificing his son (and are likewise amazed at Isaac’s selflessness and faith displayed in his willingness to be the sacrifice!). And, of course, all of this points in a truly beautiful way to the sacrifice of God’s only Son on our behalf.
If you are looking for a faith-based, gospel-centered (because the gospel comes through all throughout this film, from start to finish!), heart-warming, touching film to enjoy with your family and friends this Easter, look no further than His Only Son!
You can purchase tickets now, and also enter to win a pair of tickets here!
To see the full trailer, click here.
I cannot recommend this movie enough. You will be glad you saw it!
*I received a complimentary private screening of this film in exchange for my honest review.
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