Resurrection: A Creative Depiction of the Truths of our Faith

Kathryn Swegart takes note of the creativity required to portray the events of Jesus' Passion, death, resurrection, and Ascension.

Films depicting the Gospels are brave projects, filled with scenes that can fall flat or inspire the viewer. Resurrection (2021) does both. Produced by Lightworkers Media, Resurrection depicts the death, rising, and the Ascension of Jesus Christ. Screenwriters also relied on the book of Acts to tell stories of Pentecost and the early Church. We all have expectations of what Jesus looked like or the Blessed Mother’s relationship to her son. Even Michelangelo struggled with his creation of the Pietà. When asked why he did not put an expression on her face, he had a profound response: How can I possibly portray her sorrow?

Blessed Mother weeping at the foot of the cross

Perhaps it is unfair of me to compare the brilliant performance of Maia Morgenstern, who portrayed Mary in The Passion of the Christ. Under the direction of Mel Gibson, she truly captured a woman whose heart had been pierced by a sword. From my perspective, actress Greta Scarchi’s performance lacked the depth of sorrow felt by Our Lady. However, she did a commendable job depicting Mary’s faith that Jesus would rise from the dead, as He had promised.

Special effects are dramatically used after Jesus breathes His last. Earthquakes shake the earth and Caiaphas reacts in fear. It makes us wonder. Did he have some inkling that Jesus spoke the truth? The director creatively depicts the moment of Jesus’ resurrection, spectacular in the flashing of an angel, the rumble of thunder as the sky seems to break apart. Fire and wind sweep the Upper Room, transforming the Apostles into courageous leaders of the Church at Pentecost.