With the release of the new Noah movie starring Russell Crowe, Christians around the country are asking themselves if they should see it.
While the reasons someone should or shouldn’t see it vary, I think the most common question remains: Is the Noah movie biblical?
I can respond with confidence, since I saw it thanks to some gift cards last night.
My first impression is that this movie was not made for Christians. It’s a fictional story, loosely inspired by the historical account of Noah found in the Bible.
I was surprised by its rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which is currently over 75%. Like any Hollywood movie with a Hollywood budget, the quality and special effects are superb.
However, like many films that look great, the story falls flat. There is also very little character development.
I went into the movie with an open mind and gave it a chance. In the end, though, I left very dissatisfied.
My time was wasted.
6 Things the Noah Movie Got Wrong
Warning: Spoilers ahead.
1. Noah Disobeyed God to Save Humanity
In the movie, Noah believes he is charged with saving only the animals and that it is God’s will for humanity to end.
However, Noah ultimately goes against what he believes God wants and allows humanity to survive. The movie even connects this struggle to the reason he gets drunk and naked after leaving the ark.
In other words, humanity defied God and saved itself.
2. Fallen Angels Build the Ark
Fallen angels who look like rock giants, very Lord of the Rings-ish, help Noah build the ark.
3. Evolution Appears in the Creation Story
During the creation sequence, Darwinian evolution makes an appearance.
4. Noah’s Sons Are Bachelors
The Bible clearly states that Noah’s sons and their wives entered the ark.
In the movie, only one son has a companion. Another struggles to get a girl to the ark, but Noah leaves her behind. As a result, the son grows to hate his father.
Meanwhile, the youngest son is simply too young.
5. God Is Vague and Barely Mentioned
Throughout most of the film, God is referred to as “The Creator.” Depending on how you hear it, that could just as easily sound like Mother Nature or the universe.
God also speaks to Noah only through dreams.
However, Ham, Noah’s second son, does specifically mention God at one point. He says, “My father says there can be no king. The Creator is God.”
6. A Survivor Forces His Way Into the Ark
A survivor forces his way into the ark and hides there.
Honestly, I’m surprised there wasn’t time travel and lasers.
So, Is the Noah Movie Biblical?
Not in any meaningful sense that I could see.
The movie borrows names, imagery and basic elements from the biblical account. However, it builds a largely fictional story around them and changes some of the most important details.
If you’re looking for a movie that faithfully presents the biblical account of Noah, this isn’t it.
I recommend you watch the Noah movie released the same day by Living Waters and Ray Comfort instead. Watch the full film below: