“The Shift” - 2023 Movie. A Review

 

What do you get when you cross a dark dystopian storyline with sci-fi, alternative dimensions, theological and philosophical questions, and the biblical book of Job? You get The Shift, written and directed by Brock Heasley, produced by Ken Carpenter, and distributed by Angel Studios. This roughly one hour and 45 minute tale swirls around Kevin (Kristoffer Polaha) as he moves from one realm of life, with it’s happiness and heartbreak, to another dimension that is a dismal existence clearly governed by The Benefactor (masterfully played by Neal McDonough). A viewer will be asking questions all the way through, and picking up clues and answers that pull the story together bit-by-bit.

The story bumps up against an infinite set of alternative possibilities, of time, space, and versions of one’s self that will likely stoke a viewer’s imagination. But the heart of the narrative - besides love, grief, loss, trust/distrust - is around the place of evil, specifically, personal or human evil. But woven throughout are glimmers and glimpses of hopefulness and heart. There are a number of surprises that keep the movie moving along, some that lurk around Gabriel (Sean Astin) or Rajit Nadir (Paras Patel). There are also moments of action that punctuate many scenes, and keep one alert while watching. The movie and themes were well paced and kept my attention for almost the whole time.

The musical score was crafted by Dan Haseltine and Matthew Nelson. Mostly dark, or maybe just darkish. But there is a signature piece by Dan Haseltine that astute viewers, who recall his Jars of Clay days, will perk up, recognize, and understand how fitting this particular song rendition is for the storyline.

A friend, who is a walk-on in the movie, obtained a preview copy for me. My wife and I watched it together. By her own admission, she is not much into fantasy stories or sci-fi, and watched it just to be with me. I, on the other hand, cut my teeth on Ayn Rand, Robert Heinlein, Tolkien, and a host of others. It tickled my fancy right nicely. I mostly appreciated the major Job-texture of the show, but also the sub-currents that were also being addressed.

I think The Shift will be a movie that families with older kids (maybe mature preteens and up) can watch together when it releases on 1 December 2023. No nudity, swearing, or any of those things that often detract from cinema. But the subject matter will keep thoughtful and mature watchers engaged. It will stir up family discussions, the kind most will find beneficial. I recommend the movie.