With intelligence and great moviemaking skill, [Reynolds] has created a classic variation on a venerated ancient theme.

Yes, it’s aimed at believers. But Reynolds & Co. avoid the traps of Mel Gibson’s movie and many others by making these times horrifically real, but these Biblical figures and what they were about compelling in their kindness, soft-selling their message so sweetly that even a Roman with blood on his hands will question his Empire, his religion and his way of living before all is said and done.

As played by Fiennes, who has the aquiline face and piercing eyes of Max Van Sydow, Clavius is no pushover. You believe his disbelief, so when it wavers, yours might as well.

Risen is more entertaining than Bible-adjacent stories are usually allowed to be.

In the end, you get a Sunday morning sermon when what you really want is a Saturday midnight screening.