It happened this month. I walked out of a film because of the content. Even though it was a critically acclaimed film, I could not watch it. Then within the weeks that followed, there were two films that I sat through that afterward, I felt writing reviews of them would put me in a moral quagmire. Instead, I thought I would share that there are films that should be called out for their content and share how there is a limit to what we do as film reviewers. (I will share the titles of the films later in the article)
Our team at Reel Dialogue writes several reviews every week throughout any given year. Many readers have asked where we draw the line with films. This is a legitimate question with all of the mature content introduced in movies. Especially since our writers are coming from a Christian perspective, we need to look beyond the artistry and consider how these visual stories impact the lives of our readers.
I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. Psalm 101:3
As film critics, we are responsible for calling out things that may cause us or others to stumble. Some of those who follow us online would argue that movies should be avoided altogether. A choice that we would not consider to be wise, since the film industry is one of the most influential voices in the world. One that has moved away from being merely in cinemas and it has invaded our homes in new ways with all of the various streaming services. Our role is to assist people in knowing the quality of the films on offer and help in the discernment process of how these stories will impact their spiritual lives. It should also be said that we love movies and think complete avoidance is not the solution.
This means we walk a fine line when watching all of the movies before others see them. Our writings include the responsibility to our readers to communicate what content is in the film without spoiling the experience for the potential viewers. Still, that does not mean we go to every movie and each of our reviewers does hold to a Biblical standard when watching movies.
Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. Romans 14:13-14
I cannot speak for my fellow writers as to which films or genres cause them to pause, but I can say that there are some that I need to avoid. Two categories, in particular, that cause my mind to go to places that could lead to challenges for my mental and spiritual health.
For the sake of my mental health, the horror genre I choose to hand over to others to write about on our site. I see some films within this genre, but these tales of terror wreak havoc on my mind and elicit unreasonable fear within me. Granted, there are some great films throughout the years that have proven to be exceptional works like Get Out and Silence of the Lambs. Yet, they tend to be the exception instead of the norm. I understand that some people love this form of entertainment, but this genre has no appeal to me and it is one that I choose to avoid.
Interestingly, this is not why I chose to write this article. The conundrum that caused me to share this personal aspect of our work has nothing to do with horror films. These words have to do with films that deal with sex workers and the over-reliance on sexual content. Our team is aware that prostitution and strippers have been part of screenplays since the onset of the industry. Each being addressed in various ways and there have even been some films that we would encourage watching at Reel Dialogue based on how they have been told. Like any form of art, nudity can complement a story. While it should be avoided by those who struggle in this area.
Yet, there is a trend that has caused me to pause and say this is where I draw the line. In the recent film Red Rocket, director Sean Baker stated that he has devoted his career to telling stories that remove the stigma and normalise the lifestyles of sex workers. Even though I can appreciate the value of humanity, this story and most of his movies cross the line of taste and morality. This most recent screenplay has the lead adult male character grooming a teenage girl into the porn industry. While it does show the horrific effects of the porn industry, the film does less to deter people from it and more to condone its existence.
Baker’s work is celebrated for its raw depiction of its characters and how he illustrates the culture of a certain area of the United States. Still, there are very few redeemable qualities about any part of the storyline. Something that could be said is similar to the other films being released this year like Zola and The Worst Person in the World. Despite being hailed as artistic achievements themselves, the content was unbearable to watch and they caused me to walk away.
These films do not make me reconsider doing film reviewing, but they remind me that not all movies are meant for everyone. As a Christian, I need to determine how these films impact my walk with God and how they could cause people's minds to travel into places they should not go. They provide me with examples of discernment, accountability and a need to say that there is a limit to what we will be willing to watch.
Do we draw the line at Reel Dialogue? Yes.
Why not turn this question around to consider where you need to draw that line. To assess how watching a film could not only impact your walk with God, but that of others who are watching with you.
How do you make this determination? The Bible is a great place to start and it does provide the answers you seek.
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. James 4:17
Thank you for reading Reel Dialogue and we look forward to this next year of films.
