Andy Drozdziak
The producer of a new Christian film hopes that a film about loss based on the book of Job can inspire people at Christmas.
Inspired by the biblical book of Job, “The Shift” is a dystopian drama and sci-fi thriller, in which Kevin Garner (Kristoffer Polaha) travels across worlds and dimensions to reunite with Molly (Elizabeth Tabish), the love of his life, with whom he has experienced the loss of a son. A mysterious adversary known as The Benefactor (Neal McDonough) upends Kevin’s world as he tries to escape an alternate dystopian reality.
Producer Ken Carpenter believes that “The Shift”, which will be released in cinemas on 15th December, is ‘ultimately a story of hope.’
“The story says, in essence, that when all is lost, there is hope after loss,” Ken Carpenter told the Universe.
“In this season of ultimate hope, experience a story that points to that. Although it does not immediately resonate as a Christmas story, I think it does have some resonance on that level.”
“The Shift” is produced by Angel Studios, who are behind “The Chosen”, the story of Jesus on the small screen. References to the book of Job are strong, with The Benefactor, played by Neal McDonough, providing a disturbing and chaotic presence who is striving to bring Kevin to despair.
Considering the parallels with the book of Job, Carpenter says that it is common for humans to ask ‘why’ when painful experiences occur.
“We can’t work out this walk of faith. We are often prone to ask-why this? why that? It’s hard to make sense. I’m going to do my best to persevere. That’s part of how the book of Job informs this story,” he said.
Ken Carpenter hopes that audiences watching “The Shift” will be entertained-but that the message will go deeper.
“It’s not a sermon,” he said. “I hope they’re entertained. I hope they consider some ultimate truths: that there is a Creator who doesn’t promise that it will be an easy existence, but who does promise to be faithful and provide a hope that there is a fulfilling experience after loss.”
“The Shift” will be released in cinemas on 15th December