Films for All Seasons: Experiencing the Church Year at the Movies

by Abigail Olcese

What's your favorite Christmas movie? Easter movie? Pentecost movie? Casual viewers and movie buffs alike have favorite movies to watch at certain times of the year. But for film critic Abby Olcese, movies with spiritual themes aren't just limited to the holiday season. They're part of a deep human need to connect our favorite stories to the natural rhythms of our lives, and to let them shape and give meaning to our experience of the seasons all year long.

The life of the church is also defined by stories, which we revisit through the pattern of the Christian year. In Films for All Seasons, Olcese invites us to reflect on the great themes of the church calendar through the lens of film. From superhero movies and Star Wars to classics and arthouse films, she chooses movies for each liturgical season and leads us through them with skill and infectious enthusiasm, exploring how each one can inform and deepen our appreciation of its corresponding season.

Films for All Seasons is more than just a book about movies-it's a model for how we engage with art as Christians. explorations of popular, classic, and arthouse films and how they relate to liturgical seasons; reflections on the great themes of the church calendar; and discussion questions after each movie designed to facilitate discussion with small groups and friends.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Media Tie In, Film

240 pages, Paperback

Published October 15, 2024

Reviews

[Gina Dalfonzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creative, thought-provoking analyses of various films and how they relate to different parts of the church calendar. The author's interpretations are sometimes unique (she finds more hope in "Annihilation" than any other critic I've ever read!) but she makes a strong case for them. An enjoyable and inspiring read. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Arianna Santiago · Rating 4 out of 5]

My sister is a film editor and producer for a Catholic studio, and we often speak of the power of media to communicate the transcendentals of truth, goodness, and beauty to us. It is clear that this book is written in that same spirit (in the Episcopal/American Christian tradition). The brief intro to each liturgical season/feast day gives context and helpful information for unfamiliar audiences, with snippets from scripture and spiritual leaders. I found the essays/commentary to be very insightful and well-thought out, with just enough of a synopsis of each overarching plot to grasp its central story and themes. I did think that a few of the analyses were grasping for connection to the stated liturgical season, but they still provided a good starting point for more contemplation. The discussion questions are simple and straightforward, and wouldn’t necessitate that the audience read the commentary beforehand. Overall would be a good book for small groups, families, or even individuals looking to be more mindful about their media!

Thank you to NetGalley and InterVarsity Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Jake Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC!

I loved this- pairs nicely with Josh Larsen’s “Fear Not!” Abby Olcese’s love for cinema, liturgy and Jesus shines throughout the book. She does an excellent job of making the reader re-examine some familiar films in a new light, making us understand our role as Christians in a better way. I can’t wait to use this as a jumping off point in my own life with the liturgical calendar this year, and add to it with other films that make me see God.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby Olcese has crafted a work of “silver screen liturgies,” which was the working title of the book. While there may be points that seem a little too stretched, or underdeveloped theological concepts, Films for All Seasons is a much-needed work in both Christian publishing and film criticism. Olcese displays keen thoughtfulness in summarizing and analyzing a variety of films, and presents them in a theological light with the goal of inviting Christians into the wondrous world of movies. In a world oversaturated with voices on every movie, Olcese offers a distinctly refreshing take on the interweaving of cinema and Christian belief.

Full review for those interested: https://open.substack.com/pub/justinb...

[Conrade Yap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Films are often influenced by the culture around us. After all, moviemakers are familiar with the need for relevance. This is necessary to reach popular appeal. In the same way, Christians living in this world ought to be aware of the cultural appeal happening in their realms of influence. Yet, culture does not stand still. It changes rapidly with various fads, fashion, and trends. How do we interpret culture from a Christian perspective? One avenue is through films. Author Abby Olcese is an avid observer of film and popular culture. She believes we can better understand the mood of the times just by noticing the messages and stories behind the movies. Believing that "stories rule our lives," just like how stories in the Bible communicate central biblical themes, the stories in movies can reveal cultural trends that we can be aware of.

Without intentionality, understanding culture is like asking a fish to explain what water is. The author's underlying conviction is that Christians should influence the world and not the other way around. By learning to engage people through understanding the things that matter to people in our community, we can better communicate the gospel in ways that they can understand. Instead of choosing films at random, the author follows the Western Church calendar according to the different seasons that Christians follow. These are:

- Advent (With themes of Hope, Faith, Joy, and Peace)
- Christmas (With themes of humility, lowliness, salvation, and love)
- Epiphany (With themes of healing, self-sacrifice, love in ministry)
- Lent (With themes of abstention, Christ's presence, and gratitude)
- Holy Week (With themes of struggle and victory)
- Easter (With themes of resurrection)
- Ascension Day (With themes of the Great Commission and promise)
- Pentecost (With themes of Holy Spirit and Community)
- All Saints Day (With themes of perseverance, faithfulness, and legacy)

Olcese draws a parallel using the Lectio Divina steps to direct the way for us to watch films, specifically from a Christian perspective.
- Slow Reading | (Viewing)
- Meditation | (Meditating)
- Contemplation | (Contemplating)

My Thoughts
==============
Let me give three thoughts about this book.

First, it enlarges our understanding of the movie itself. Each chapter gives us an overview of the key characters and the outline of the movie. For those of us who have seen the movie, we have a fresh outlook about the meaning of the movie. In some cases, the re-telling of the story fills in the gaps readers might have about the movie itself. For example, in the Advent chapter about Hope, we learn that hope for the Star Wars resistance fighters is not simply winning the war. It's overcoming the ills of human nature. It's about taking the first step in the right direction. It's about modeling for others what hope means for future generations. I find myself able to fill in the gaps in my viewing of the movies. At the same time, I learn about other movies that I have not seen, which will enlarge my own repertoire of movies. The suggestions for further viewing segment gives us even more choices for movie selection.

Second, we get to see common themes in both the Bible as well as the movie. In every chapter, there is a narrative from the Bible to show us that the movie narratives are not necessarily new. The movie SHAZAM! focuses on an unlikely hero, something similar to how Jesus came to this earth as an ordinary person. Just like how Jesus was both human and divine, the movie's protagonist, Thaddeus Sivana was both normal as well as superhero. The difference however was the way of the Kingdom of God against the kingdom of the empire. Those of us familiar with the Bible narratives will have an immediate template to discern the similarities and differences between the Bible and the movie. It is also an opportunity for readers to sharpen their reading (or re-reading) of the Bible.

Third, we get to exercise our spiritual discernment. There are 26 movies that we can learn from the author. Each chapter begins with a brief overview of the movie, the key messages, and the characters. This is usually followed by a connection with relevant Bible passages that also reflect the themes promoted by the movies. At the end of the chapter, there are discussion questions to dig deeper into the messages. This presents an opportunity for reflection and application. As readers go through each chapter, they will become familiar with the steps and after a while, be able to discern other movies not mentioned in this book. This is best done via a discussion group.

Robert Johnston's "Reel Spirituality" is one of the first books to remind us that messages of spirituality are evident in many movies. Josh Larsen's "Movies are Prayers" shows us how films can voice our deepest longings. Mike Cosper's "The Stories We Tell" helps us connect the dots between storytelling and human longing. In "God in the Movies," Catherine M. Barsotti and Robert K. Johnston comb through four decades of film to show us that movies are actually about people searching for God. Subtly, Abby Olcese rides on the coattails of wisdom from these predecessors to introduce a fresh Christian season perspective to themes. Moreover, she hints that perhaps, the movies can also be evidence of God searching for us.

Abby Olcese writes about film, popular culture and faith. Her work has appeared at Think Christian, Sojourners, Paste and other outlets. She is also the film editor for The Pitch, a magazine and website serving the Kansas City, Missouri, area. She lives in Kansas City.

Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5.

conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of InterVarsity Press via NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

[Reed Fagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love movies and love viewing the things I experience through a Christian lens. But, I would not have thought a Lenten Saturday morning in February could hold a productive conversation with my dad about the themes of Ash Wednesday after watching the sci-fi film "Annihilation" (2018)—but here we are! Olcese's book helped facilitate that. My dad doesn't even enjoy sci-fi and, though I do, I might not have picked this film out for myself. But I'm pretty grateful for the opportunity provided by Olcese's thoughtful and creative engagement of her twin loves of cinema and Christian devotional practices ("liturgy"). Throughout Lent I am looking forward to watching one of her recommended movies each week and discussing it with others. (Today Dad and I got to discuss the topics of "ashes to ashes", cancer, personal agency, and new creation.)

There's a lot to praise in this book.

From the perspective of wanting to better understand what the church calendar is and the themes/lessons it is meant to engage for Christians following it, this book is worthwhile just stopping there. Starting with Advent, the beginning of the church year, Abby introduces each church year season with a two-page summary of what that season observes and why. You could read only those ~18 pages and come away with a better understanding of how many Western Christian traditions choose to mark time.

Additionally, her film selection itself is laudable. Olcese does not yield to an easy library of explicitly Christian movies or movies only with happy endings or movies of a single genre or two. (Though honing in on one, niche genre could be a neat future endeavor?) She pulls movies from most genres I am aware of which gives the average reader a catalog of movies to watch devotionally that they should find both familiar but also stretching. In the unexpected event I may find one of her film's tie-ins to the church calendar to be fairly weak, I know I would at the least come away having watched a movie worthy of my time and consideration.

The final gift I will mention this book offers is Olcese's interpretative eye. For each movie her extensive knowledge of the components of cinema pour out, whether she's describing color schemes such as in "Paddington" or "A Hidden Life" or the three act structure of trilogies like "Batman" and "Star Wars". I knew many of these movies well before reading her chapters on them and still came away with some knowledge of the films I did not have hitherto. And this knowledge Olcese possesses and shares enriches her discussion of how our myriad human stories tie into or reflect the stories of Christian scripture that structure the church year.

In summary, what I learned regarding the church calendar, excellent movies, and viewing art as Christ might make this text well worthwhile.

A few notes regarding movie spoilers, "PG+" content, and "The Last Temptation of Christ".

I often can read spoilers first and still enjoy my first encounter with the story later (book/movie) because, to me, the experience is about *how* the creator gets from point A to point B, and a story told well enough still inspires awe even if I know what's going to happen (I think that's one reason people watch their favorite movies over and over: they have the data of what the plot events are but it's the spectacle of the story itself that they marvel at). This being said, I wish in some cases I had not read Olcese's concise synopsis before watching the movie. But that's up to you as the reader. It is easy enough to avoid some spoiler info (if not necessarily all) by merely skipping over what is the second titled section of most chapters. It seems most of her plot synopses are placed there.

As for "adult" content, just a heads-up that Olcese does not let parental guidance ratings dictate the catalog she shares. While I am grateful for that diversity and while in some cases she points out if a movie is particularly intense in some way (I think she flagged that "Logan" is R-rated for excessive violence), there's a good chance you will want to double-check the rating of a title before committing to watching/showing it. I was a bit surprised by some steamy content in "Annihilation", but that is also kind of on me: IMDB.com has been a great service to me over the years, warning me through its "Parents' Guide" of what content a given movie has and thus helping me decide ultimately whether or not to watch it.

Finally I thought I'd make a note about "The Last Temptation of the Christ", which Olcese includes in the Holy Week section. Honestly, I have been interested in the film for some time (since at least its brief allusion in "Donnie Darko"!) and have not yet watched it but I plan to. I can imagine a Christian being upset by its inclusion in this book because they think it "heretical" or "blasphemous". But Olcese makes that point—that it is *not* biblical, but rather a thought experiment of what being Jesus the Christ could have felt like or of what temptations he might have faced. (While I'm on it, we would be wise to remember that the moment we generate any re-telling or art of a biblical text it is, by definition, no longer "biblical" and thus subject to the follies of human, institutional, and corporate interpretations. This means that some things are probably lost and added even to what we'd consider the most "faithful" Christian art.) I cannot say what I will feel after I watch the movie but I imagine I will be grateful for gaining new ways to think about the Passion or new understanding of how others might think about it. For what it's worth, "Last Temptation" co-director Martin Scorsese adapted to film one of my all-time favorite books, "Silence" (Shusaku Endo), which I might argue is the best, and most challenging, Christian literature I have ever read.

[KEVIN KINSELLA · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cinematic Journey Through Faith: A Review of Films for All Seasons: Experiencing the Church Year at the Movies

Abby Olcese’s Films for All Seasons: Experiencing the Church Year at the Movies is a masterful exploration of how cinema can intersect with faith, culture, and the rhythms of the liturgical calendar. This book is an invaluable resource for educators, faith leaders, and film enthusiasts seeking to create meaningful lesson plans that weave together the cultural impact of movies with theological themes.

What sets this book apart is its unique structure, aligning films with the liturgical seasons of the church year. Olcese dives into Advent, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time, pairing each season with films that resonate thematically and emotionally. These connections make it easy for readers to use the book as a guide for creating lessons or discussions around the profound influence of cinema on our understanding of spirituality and human experience. The book’s strength lies in its roots in literature, grounding the analysis in classic storytelling techniques that highlight universal truths and moral dilemmas.

Olcese’s writing is dynamic and engaging, striking a remarkable balance between being approachable and intellectually stimulating. Her tone is conversational yet thought-provoking, making complex themes accessible without ever oversimplifying. Whether analyzing the redemptive arcs in films like The Shawshank Redemption or exploring the moral ambiguity in No Country for Old Men, Olcese writes with a clarity that invites readers to engage deeply with the material. Her ability to connect timeless stories to contemporary audiences demonstrates a keen understanding of both film and faith traditions.

The book is also an excellent resource for educators looking to bridge gaps between secular and sacred discussions. Olcese offers practical insights into using films as tools for teaching empathy, community, and spiritual reflection. Her thoughtful commentary includes not just theological insights but also cultural critiques, inviting readers to consider how the medium of film influences our worldview.

Films for All Seasons is as much a celebration of storytelling as it is a guide to spiritual growth. Abby Olcese has created a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the intersection of faith and culture through cinema. Whether you’re a seasoned film buff or a newcomer seeking to incorporate movies into your teaching, this book will inspire and equip you to do so with passion and purpose.

[Darlene Messenger · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately I cannot in good conscience recommend this book. The collection of essays are based upon opinions of the writers and themes of faith, hope, peace etc. seem faith based. Most people love films for differing reasons. However, I found the selections featured to be anything but faith based, even offensive and counter to family values. I won't be recommending the book.

[Todd Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book except it had The Last Jedi and Fast 6 as two of the movies referenced

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good concept that’s well executed by the author. Some movies are better fits than others but overall a pretty good merging of faith and film.

[Marshall]

Quoting Henri Nouwen: “Power offers an easy substitute for the hard task of love."

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Films for All Seasons is a unique guide that brings together film critique and the church calendar. Each chapter contains a brief synopsis of a film, connections to the gospel story and/or the season of the church calendar, and questions for reflection. I really loved the wide variety of movies covered in this guide, which range from Barbie to Paddington, from Rogue One to more obscure titles to add to your watch list. I think the most valuable part of reading this is that it models how we can train our eyes to look for echoes of the biblical narrative in each piece of media that we consume. The story of Christ is truly the best story we can ever hear, and intentionally looking for its themes in other stories is a helpful practice.
I didn't necessarily agree with every connection that was made by the author, but I really love the idea and the overall execution as well. So, I would not hesitate to recommend Films for All Seasons, especially if you are someone who enjoys film or wants to be more intentional in your media consumption.
Thank you to Netgalley and Intervarsity Press for the advanced review copy. All opinions are my own. Films for All Seasons by Abby Olcese releases on October 15.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seasons help define our lives, and most of us rely on various methods to keep track of them. Josh Larsen notes in his foreword that the church isn’t the only group of people who observe their own calendar. Moviegoers also have one, although theirs may not involve worship (but then again, it might). Cinephiles delight in Oscar season, summer blockbusters, fall prestige films, horror movies in October, themed festivals, and more. Wouldn’t it be great if congregants and movie lovers could intersect?

Maybe they already do and just don’t know it.

Continue reading:

https://andywolverton.substack.com/p/...