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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is Messiah Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2018)

Positioned between opera and theatre, this powerfully accessible interpretation of Handel’s seminal work explores the drama and struggle of faith, showing a bereaved community whos...

✨ The Quick Verdict

SKIP IT

If you are a fan of cinema, then Messiah offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2018 landscape.

👥 Target Audience

casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

📖 The Core Premise

Messiah returns to the screen in 2018, bringing a fresh narrative to the various genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Positioned between opera and theatre, this powerfully accessible interpretation of Handel’s seminal work explores the drama and struggle of faith, showing a bereaved community whose grief at the loss of their leader is transformed into hope through a narrative of resurrection. Inspired by early performances of the work, which were staged in theatres and concert halls rather than churches, including its first performance at Bristol Old Vic in 1782, it is a rare treat for connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Joshua Ellicott attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good cinema. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Messiah worth your time? If you appreciate various films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Messiah misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 120 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.

⏳ Time Investment

120MIN

At approximately 2.0 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.