A controversial new movie, The Carpenter’s Son, starring Nicolas Cage as Joseph (the earthly father of Jesus), is receiving harsh reviews from critics and stirring uproar among Christian audiences.
Directed by Lotfy Nathan, this horror-drama is not based on the canonical Gospels but draws from the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, a non-Biblical, apocryphal text that describes Jesus’ childhood in supernatural and morally ambiguous ways.
Critics Slam the Tone and Execution
Critics have largely panned the film, giving it poor scores across major platforms. One early rating places it at about 36% on Rotten Tomatoes.
A review in The Guardian describes the film as “a bafflingly acted and messily made bore.”
Other reviewers say the story is vague, unsettling, and at times disrespectful to Christian beliefs. One review notes that the movie contains disturbing imagery and is “not a film to recommend to devout religious people.”
Some horror-genre reviewers report that many viewers are accusing the film of being blasphemous due to its portrayal of sacred figures in horror-styled conflict.
Public Backlash from Christian Viewers
The film has sparked major backlash online, with Christian audiences calling it blasphemous and offensive.
Several commentators argue that the movie twists the Christian narrative in pursuit of shock value, using sacred themes for theatrical impact.
Social media reactions show strong disapproval, with many accusing the filmmakers of disrespecting Christianity and misrepresenting Jesus in a way they find deeply troubling.
What the Film Is About
The Carpenter’s Son reimagines the early life of Jesus in Roman-era Egypt. The film follows Joseph, Mary, and their teenage son as they face spiritual warfare, supernatural conflict, and moral tension.
A central antagonist, known as the “Mysterious Stranger,” tempts the young Jesus toward rebellion and supernatural power.
The film is rated R because of bloody violent content and brief nudity.
Why This Matters for Christian Leaders
This release presents several areas of concern for pastors and ministry leaders:
- Cultural Sensitivity & Theology
The movie raises questions about how pop culture reinterprets sacred Christian stories, especially using non-canonical sources. - Media Discernment
Churches may need to help believers navigate how to engage with films that distort biblical narratives. - Pastoral Guidance
Some viewers may be disturbed or confused; leaders can offer clarity rooted in Scripture. - Apologetics Opportunity
The controversy allows churches to teach why accurate portrayals of Jesus matter and how Christians can respond with wisdom and grace.
Call to Prayer
PastorsInfo encourages prayer for:
- Wisdom for Christians deciding how to respond to the film.
- Discernment for viewers exposed to non-biblical portrayals of Jesus.
- Opportunities for teaching about the authority of Scripture and the nature of Christ.
Links (Sources)
- https://protestia.com/2025/11/13/new-film-the-carpenters-son-starring-nicolas-cage-as-jesus-dad-is-panned-by-critics/
- https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/nov/14/the-carpenters-son-movie-review-nicolas-cage
- https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/movies/articles/carpenter-son-review-nicolas-cage-220000784.html
- https://www.newsweek.com/entertainment/nicolas-cage-carpenters-son-jesus-horror-movie-backlash-10818917
- https://greekreporter.com/2025/10/04/nicolas-cage-film-jesus-backlash-christian
- https://www.cbr.com/nic-cage-new-horror-flick
- https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/544974/trailer-for-biblical-horror-film-starring-nic-cage-sparks-outrage-playing-with-god-like-that-is-not-to-be-taken-lightly