KNOWING

KNOWING is a riveting science-fiction thriller with astounding special effects, a remarkably ambitious plot, and a good performance from Nicolas Cage. It also takes God seriously. The film challenges an atheistic understanding of a random universe and includes strong Christian elements, including the clear declaration that “Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Light.”

But the film’s intensity is not incidental. Its disasters include burning bodies, burning animals, and people being crushed. The visuals can be nightmare-inducing, especially for impressionable viewers. Its emphasis falls more on an all-knowing God than an all-loving one, and its Christian ideas are not developed as clearly as they might be.

If you are a discerning adult who can handle graphic disaster imagery, KNOWING is worth the trip. Do not choose it for children or young teens.

In 1959, an elementary school places a time capsule in its sidewalk. A tormented girl slips a page covered with numbers inside.

Fifty years later, MIT professor John Koestler lives with his young son, Caleb, who receives the mysterious page. John initially dismisses Caleb’s questions about a possible code. Then the numbers begin connecting to real disasters, and John realizes that more catastrophes may be coming. He races to understand the pattern and prevent what he can.

Four stars means KNOWING is highly entertaining and technically impressive. It is a riveting thriller with astounding special effects and an even more astounding plot. The suspense builds effectively as John tries to avert catastrophes whose dates, locations, and casualty counts he believes he knows.

Nicolas Cage gives a good performance as a father whose understanding of the universe is shaken. The film is also thought-provoking, using its thriller framework to raise serious questions about God, foreknowledge, and whether the universe is random.

KNOWING strongly challenges atheism and the idea of an evolutionary, random universe. John begins with an atheistic understanding, but the numbers force him to consider that some Being has foreknowledge of events. The film also includes a preacher father, a Bible, an illustration of Jesus Christ’s Second Coming, and a clear sign declaring that “Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Light.”

The film’s Christian elements are substantial, including an excellent example of reconciliation and an overt Christian message. However, its treatment contains intentionally obtuse elements and controversial eschatology. The focus is more on an all-knowing God than an all-loving one, and the movie does not explain as clearly as it could that salvation comes through belief in Jesus Christ.

The film’s questions can lead to useful conversations about God’s knowledge, human responsibility, suffering, and reconciliation. Scripture gives the clearest answer about Christ’s identity: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

KNOWING offers adults gripping suspense, astounding effects, and serious Christian questions. Its graphic disasters and nightmare-inducing visuals make it unsuitable for children and young teens. For a discerning adult, the answer is WORTH THE TRIP — ADULTS ONLY. For another family choice, see.