Watch Church
- PG
- 1 hr 41 min
-
6.5 (50)
Church is a 2010 independent drama film co-written and directed by Foster V. Corder, and starring Darius McCrary, Joseph C. Phillips, and Sam Sarpong. The film revolves around the lives of several members of a fictional mega-church in Los Angeles, and their struggles with faith, temptation, and personal demons. The story centers around Pastor Jones (played by Phillips), a charismatic leader whose lavish lifestyle and extramarital affairs have been exposed in the media. He struggles to maintain his authority over the congregation, while dealing with the fallout of his actions and trying to salvage his marriage.
Meanwhile, the church's youth pastor, Dante (played by McCrary), is haunted by a traumatic childhood experience that has left him with a deep distrust of God and difficulty connecting with his own son. His marriage is also on shaky ground, as he and his wife struggle to reconcile their different beliefs and priorities.
Rounding out the main cast is Ty (played by Sarpong), a young man from the inner city who is drawn to the church after a life of crime and addiction. He finds a sense of purpose and community among the congregation, but his past continues to threaten his newfound stability.
The film weaves together the personal stories of these characters, as well as several others, in a complex narrative that explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the constant struggle to maintain faith in a world full of challenges and temptations.
One of the strengths of Church is its honest and nuanced portrayal of the mega-church world. Rather than portraying the church as a simple villain or as pure goodness, the film acknowledges the complexity of these institutions, with all their contradictions and ambiguities. The film also doesn't shy away from difficult topics such as sexual abuse, addiction, and mental illness, and it treats these issues with sensitivity and respect.
The performances of the main cast are strong and compelling. Phillips brings a subtle vulnerability to his portrayal of Pastor Jones, a man who is both powerful and deeply flawed. McCrary delivers a powerful performance as Dante, exploring both his character's anger and woundedness as well as his eventual healing and transformation. And Sarpong brings a raw intensity to his role as Ty, exuding a sense of desperation and longing that makes his eventual redemption all the more satisfying.
The film is beautifully shot, with a combination of lush images of the church and its surroundings as well as more gritty and raw depictions of inner-city life. The cinematography captures both the beauty and the darkness present in these characters' lives, creating a rich and immersive visual experience.
Overall, Church is a powerful and moving film that explores complex spiritual themes in a way that feels authentic and grounded. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the forces that shape our faith and our relationship with God.
Church is a kids & family movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.