Joshua Bennett
The Last Supper is a 2025 film depicting Jesus Christ's last days, told through the eyes of his followers. The film was written and directed by Mauro Borrelli, a Catholic, and produced by award-winning Christian artist Chris Tomlin. Borrelli aimed to create a plausible and accurate depiction of the events surrounding the Passion, drawing inspiration from Leonardo Da Vinci's famous painting of the Last Supper. The film has received mixed reviews, with some praising its theological soundness and others finding it too safe and sentimental. It is considered inappropriate for children due to its violent and disturbing content, including the depiction of Jesus being beaten and crucified. The film focuses on the Eucharist and expands on the relationship between Jesus and Judas, portraying Judas's internal struggle and humanity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Director | Mauro Borrelli |
| Writer | Mauro Borrelli |
| Executive Producer | Chris Tomlin |
| Based on | Leonardo Da Vinci's painting of the Last Supper |
| Story | Told through the eyes of Jesus Christ's followers |
| Focus | The Eucharist |
| Accuracy | Borrelli did a lot of research, delving into the Gospels and the Torah |
| Tone | Appropriately reverent |
| Rating | PG-13 |
| Release date | March 14, 2025 |
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What You'll Learn
The film's portrayal of Judas
The film "The Last Supper" offers a unique portrayal of Judas, deviating from the traditional depiction of him as a purely evil betrayer of Jesus. In this version, Judas is portrayed by Robert Knepper and takes on a more prominent role, allowing viewers to understand his character better.
The film explores Judas' internal struggle and the motivations behind his betrayal of Jesus. Unlike other films, "The Last Supper" does not portray Judas as solely driven by greed or malice. Instead, it presents him as a victim of Satan's influence, highlighting that he was “not strong enough to step out from that." This interpretation aligns with the belief that Judas was fulfilling a divine prophecy and was needed for God's plan to unfold.
Throughout the film, Judas wrestles with his literal demons, as Satan manifests in different forms, including a snake and an ominous man, playing on Judas' pride and fears. This portrayal adds complexity to Judas' character, suggesting that he was not entirely in control of his actions and highlighting the power of divine forces at play.
While the film does show Judas accepting a deal with the chief priests to betray Jesus, it also depicts him initially rejecting their advances, indicating that he struggled with his decision. This narrative choice adds intrigue to the story and provides a more nuanced portrayal of Judas' internal conflict.
The film also deviates from the biblical account in the manner of Judas' death. In the film, Judas hangs himself in town, contrary to the book of Acts, which states that he hanged himself in a field. Additionally, Satan tries to convince Peter to commit suicide as well, which is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible.
Overall, "The Last Supper" offers a more sympathetic portrayal of Judas, presenting him as a complex character influenced by divine forces rather than a one-dimensional villain. This interpretation invites viewers to consider the broader themes of free will, destiny, and forgiveness within the context of Judas' betrayal.
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The film's accuracy
The film "The Last Supper" is a dramatization of events surrounding the Passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, told from the perspective of his followers. The film was written and directed by Mauro Borrelli, a Catholic, and executive produced by Chris Tomlin, an award-winning Christian artist.
The film begins with Jesus feeding the 5,000 and performing miracles, and ends after his resurrection. It includes scenes of Jesus being beaten and crucified, which may not be suitable for younger audiences. The film also portrays Judas more sympathetically than some other depictions, showing him as a man tempted and controlled by Satan rather than inherently evil.
Borrelli has stated that he wanted to make the film "as plausible and accurate" as possible, conducting extensive research in the Gospels and the Torah. The film has been described as "theologically sound" and "biblically right on the money", with one reviewer stating that it "brings God's word to life".
However, some critics have argued that the film is "too safe and sentimental to be significant", comparing it unfavorably to Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ". These critics argue that while "The Last Supper" is pious and inoffensive, it fails to distinguish itself and does not reach the artistic heights of Gibson's film.
Overall, while "The Last Supper" takes some creative liberties and includes scenes not directly documented in the Bible, it appears to be largely accurate and theologically sound, with a strong focus on Christian spirituality.
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The film's inspiration
The film "The Last Supper" is a dramatization of events surrounding the Passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, told through the eyes of his followers. The film was written and directed by Mauro Borrelli, a Catholic, and executive-produced by Chris Tomlin, an award-winning Christian artist.
The inspiration for the film came from Leonardo Da Vinci's famous painting of the Last Supper. Borrelli initially envisioned shooting the entire movie in one room, depicting the historical moment of the Last Supper. However, as he began to write the script, the story expanded to include a broader narrative of Jesus' final days. Borrelli wanted to explore the Eucharist and the Communion ritual in more depth, providing visual representations of important moments that are often not depicted in films about Jesus.
Borrelli conducted extensive research, delving into the Gospels and the Torah, to ensure that the film was "as plausible and accurate" as possible. He also brought his strong visual background to the film, having collaborated with high-profile figures like Tim Burton. This resulted in warm and vivid imagery, with appropriately reverent tones, although some critics found the action forced and the mood occasionally overwrought.
The film also offers a unique portrayal of Jesus, presenting him as very human, warm, and engaging, rather than just 'one of the guys' or holier-than-thou. Additionally, it provides a more nuanced depiction of Judas, giving him a more prominent role and portraying him as a victim of Satan rather than inherently evil.
Overall, "The Last Supper" aims to depict the ultimate act of divine love and sacrifice, exploring the relationships between Jesus and his disciples, including their ups and downs, and emphasizing Jesus' love even for his enemies.
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The film's reception
The film "The Last Supper" has received a varied response from critics and audiences. While some have praised its theological accuracy and powerful message, others have found it to be too safe and sentimental to leave a significant impact.
The film, written and directed by Mauro Borrelli, a Catholic, and executive-produced by Chris Tomlin, a Christian artist, is an attempt to depict the last days of Jesus Christ through the eyes of his followers. Borrelli has stated that he wanted to expand on the important moment of the Eucharist and make the film as plausible and accurate as possible. He conducted extensive research, delving into the Gospels and the Torah to ensure theological accuracy.
The film has been praised for its warm and vivid imagery, with critics noting Borrelli's strong visual background as a veteran art designer. The tone of the film has been described as appropriately reverent, and the portrayal of Jesus as unique, human, warm, and engaging. The film also focuses on the character of Judas, giving him a more prominent role and portraying him as a victim of Satan rather than a villain. This interpretation has been well-received, with some finding it powerful and thought-provoking.
However, some critics have found the film underwhelming, comparing it unfavorably to Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ." They argue that "The Last Supper" fails to distinguish itself and does not reach the artistic heights of Gibson's film. The film has been called "safe" and "sentimental", with some viewers feeling that it does not take enough risks to leave a lasting impression. While it is theologically sound, it may not appeal to those looking for more challenging or thought-provoking cinematic depictions of religious themes.
The film has also been criticized for its depiction of violence. While it does not linger on the crucifixion, it does include graphic scenes of Jesus being beaten and bloody, as well as glimpses of the crucifixion. Due to this harsh gory violence, the film has received a PG-13 rating, and some reviewers suggest that it may not be suitable for children or those with a more sensitive outlook.
Overall, "The Last Supper" has received a mixed reception. While some appreciate its theological accuracy, warm imagery, and unique portrayal of Jesus, others find it lacking in artistic daring and unlikely to leave a lasting impact. The film's treatment of violence has also been a point of contention, with some viewers finding it disturbing and inappropriate for younger audiences.
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The film's violence
The Last Supper is a movie title shared by two distinct films. One is a 1995 black comedy film directed by Stacy Title, and the other is a 2025 religious drama directed by Mauro Borrelli. This response will focus on the film's violence in each of these two films.
The Last Supper (1995)
The 1995 film "The Last Supper" is a black comedy that provokes debate over the political views of the far left and right. The movie centres around five liberal graduate school students who invite a string of extreme conservatives to dinner to murder them. The violence in the film involves knives, poison, a shovel, and a chair. A loaded gun is also pointed at a character's head. The murders are justified by the discriminatory opinions expressed by the victims, including racist, homophobic, anti-environmentalist, antisemitic, anti-abortion, and rape-denying views. The language in the film is strong and discriminatory, reflecting the unfavourable views of certain characters.
The Last Supper (2025)
The 2025 film "The Last Supper" is a religious drama depicting Jesus' last days through the eyes of his followers. The film contains some harsh gory violence and a suicide. It includes scenes of Jesus being beaten bloody by his captors and glimpses of the Crucifixion. Due to the graphic nature of these scenes, the film has been rated PG-13, and parents are strongly cautioned that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
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Frequently asked questions
The movie "The Last Supper" is about the last days of Jesus Christ, told through the eyes of his followers.
Mauro Borrelli, a Catholic, served as the film's writer and director.
In "The Last Supper", Judas has a more prominent role compared to other films. Borrelli wanted to show that "Judas was not the evil guy" and that he was "taken by Satan and was not strong enough to step out from that".
The inspiration for the film came from Leonardo Da Vinci's famous painting of the Last Supper. Borrelli initially wanted to shoot the entire movie in one room but as he began to write the script, the story expanded.
The movie has a Motion Picture Association rating of PG-13, with some material that may be inappropriate for children under 13.
