“The Young Messiah” is the latest in a series of successful faith-based films to hit theaters in recent years. This one comes from producer Chris Columbus (“The Help”, “Night at the Museum”) and is taken not only from Biblical text but is also based on Anne Rice’s 2005 novel Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt.
Adam Greaves-Neal gives an effective performance as seven-year-old Jesus in this inside look at one year of Christ’s childhood. He, Mary, Joseph and their extended family travel from Egypt back to Nazareth after Joseph’s dream reveals that King Herod has died. Young Jesus has begun performing miracles (though he’s not sure how or why), and he has many questions about who he really is. Mary and Joseph aren’t ready to tell him everything, instead wanting to keep him safe and allow him to have a “normal” childhood. This character study and family dynamic provides much of the interest of “The Young Messiah”.
A buzz has started about the miracle worker throughout the land. Once it reaches Herod’s son, he orders Centurions to find Jesus and kill him. British actor Sean Bean (most recently seen in “The Martian”) plays Severus, the Chief centurion. He was also involved in the slaying of all the newborn boys, ordered by Herod, seven years earlier when Jesus was born. Bean handles the unique and conflicted role quite well.
“The Young Messiah” takes this story and subject matter very seriously with dramatic and adult elements, including scenes of violence and torture. However, the narrative is straightforward and tame enough for children to follow and understand. The second half does drag a bit more than the first, and there’s not much suspense generated from a climax that can only go one way. “The Young Messiah” is a solid, sophisticated and engaging portrayal of an aspect of the life of Jesus that we haven’t see often on screen – through the bright eyes of innocence, wonder and ever-growing wisdom.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “The Young Messiah” gets a B.
Running Time: 111 min.