The Shift
The Shift is a science fiction thriller distributed by Angel Studios, and produced by Nook Lane Entertainment, Pinnacle Peak Pictures and Saltshaker Media. The film stars Kristoffer Polaha (whom I mostly know due to my obsession with cheesy Hallmark seasonal movies) as Kevin Garner, a man who encounters a mysterious man known as "The Benefactor", played by the charismatic Neal McDonough. When Kevin refuses the man's enticing offer of wealth and power, he is shifted into alternate totalitarian realities, encountering infinite worlds and impossible choices, as he attempts to return to the woman he loves.
The Shift takes its inspiration from the Book of Job, a book found in the Ketuvim section of the Hebrew Bible and the first of the Poetic Books in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. Job is a wealthy man living in a land called Uz with his large family and extensive flocks. He is “blameless” and “upright,” always careful to avoid doing evil (1:1). One day, Satan (“the Adversary”) appears before God in heaven. God boasts to Satan about Job’s goodness, but Satan argues that Job is only good because God has blessed him abundantly. Satan challenges God that, if given permission to punish the man, Job will turn and curse God. God allows Satan to torment Job to test this bold claim, but he forbids Satan to take Job’s life in the process (source: Sparknotes.com).’ It is written, directed and produced by
Brock Heasley.
Take a look at the trailer below.
Admittedly, I have conflicting opinions. Firstly, I feel pretty much jaded with the whole multiverse thing, and that has a lot to do with the utter tripe that is being spewed out in the relentless and tiresome series of Marvel films. I’m just sick of the whole concept. The last time I enjoyed anything set in a multiverse, was Everything Everywhere All at Once, and that only narrowly squeezed in. That being said, I think if it is executed well and serves the story, then I probably won’t be quite as critical. Also, not being a man of faith, my understanding of the Bible is pretty limited, as is my interest. However, again, the Book of Job does have an interesting premise, and I am attracted to how the film adapts and modernises it. To be fair, it is one of the few trailers, in recent times, that has grabbed my attention. Time will tell.
The Shift also stars Elizabeth Tabish as ‘Molly’, the love that Kebin is determined to get back to. The supporting cast includes Sean Astin, Emily Rose and Nolan North. The Shift is out now in the US and will be released in UK cinemas on 15th December.