Serenity

Welcome to Plymouth!

“Serenity” opens with a fishing expedition Baker Dill (Matthew McConaughey), and Djimon Hounsou and paying customers. Baker is obsessed with catching a massive tuna named “Justice.” It gets away, and that enrages Baker, and he goes to drown his sorrow in alcohol, which is his coping mechanism. Baker has a tortured past; he served in the military and has an ex-wife and son named Patrick, whom he doesn’t see. While at the bar, his ex arrives, and offers him 10 million dollars to kill her abusive new husband, so that she and their highly gifted son can be free. This the setup to this film noir mystery thriller.

This acting is intriguing and compelling. Matthew McConaughey plays the part of a tortured soul well, and I empathized with his struggle. Anne Hathaway enters with a sparkle that illuminates a dark backdrop, I felt her desperation for freedom from a horrible situation. The remainder of the cast work cohesively to tell this ultra unique story. Cinematography is top notch, I easily got lost in the world of Plymouth. Every little detail is carefully planned to place your attention where it needs to focus.

Sadly, there is plenty of objectionable content. Murder is proposed as a solution to an abusive marriage. Sexual encounters are shown excessively and are really unnecessary when the story is fully revealed. Male backside nudity is shown throughout. There is blasphemy and swear words spread throughout. Domestic violence is heard, but not openly shown, but is highly alluded to. Drinking and heavy smoking is shown throughout as a coping mechanism.

There is some homage to a creator and the morality of right versus wrong. There is a point where Baker asks for help to avoid temptation, when debating whether or not commit the murder.

As Christians, we often face trials and tribulations and need to know what to do in the worst of situations.

“And Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree but even if you say to this mountain, “Be taken up and thrown into the sea,” it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.’ We must seek God in the most difficult of circumstances.” —Matthew 21:21–22

I saw this film with a dear friend of mine, and we left with many questions. We were also surprised by the film’s revelations and its ending. There is a lot of objectionable content that gave us pause.

This movie is not recommended due to its pervasive vulgarity and lewdity, profane language, bloody violence and strong sexual content.

• Vulgar/Crude language: Extreme— • “mother-f***…” (2) • other f-words (90+) • “pr*ck” • “c*ck” • “a**hole” (2) • bullsh*t • sh*t • “a**” (3) • b*tch • “son of a b*tch” (5) • “b*stard”
• Profane language: Very Heavy— • “I swear to f**king G*d” • “J*sus Chr*st” (2) • “J*sus” • “G*d d*mn” (4) • “d*mn” (12+) • “h*ll” (5) • “swear to G*d”
• Nudity: Very Heavy— female and male
• Sex: Very Heavy— • sexual actions, attitudes and vulgar sexual comments
• Violence: Heavy
• Occult: None

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.