Shattered

“Shattered” is unique in the Christian film genre. I can’t think of another film that takes place in a mental institution. With the high-quality filming, “X-Filesque” feel, strong acting, and thought-provoking story it is well worth seeing. The audience, as with all other Creative Youth Resource productions (including “The Crossing” and “Invisible Enemies”), is youth: teen to young-adult.

“Shattered” introduces us to five messed up young-adults, all locked up in a makeshift mental facility: Trevor, Shawn, Mary Catherine, Walter and Rebecca. Each of them have their own troubled pasts, but their differences all have one similarity. They all chose not to believe, and now they find themselves facing the terrible consequences of their decision.

Trying to help them deal with the past, present, and future is Dr. Ron Hunter, a depressed psychologist dealing with his own story. Or, as they say in “Shattered” “the story behind the story.” he’s as much a mess as the kids he’s trying to help, and until he learns to be honest and deal with his own problems he is unable to make any progress, with his kids or himself. As the story unfolds, the unaware viewer is thrown for a loop as what is at first confusing finally comes together in an “oh yeah” moment. Well done!

“Shattered” successfully attempts to get people thinking about some key biblical elements, namely Matthew 24:36-42 and Luke 17:34-36. (I’d love to expound more, but don’t want to give away any more details.) Available from Youth For Christ.