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Parents' Guide to

Last Days in the Desert

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Thought-provoking drama wrestles with faith.

Movie PG-13 2016 99 minutes
Last Days in the Desert Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

age 10+

Based on 1 parent review

age 10+

Fathers' sons

Fine riddle of a tale that could have happened during the 40 days in the desert before Yeshua's ministry would switch from the carpentry work of his earthly father to the pre-planned work of his Heavenly father. And of course as ever Satan tries his best as a mirror reflection to thwart this.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

To tell a story that's been told so many times that it's as familiar as the audience's own breath in such a way as to leave viewers pondering, wondering, perhaps even speechless is to succeed. Writer-director Rodrigo Garcia manages such a feat with LAST DAYS IN THE DESERT. Set against an arid backdrop that's both stark and stunning, the film anchors the overwhelming massiveness of a subject like faith in a relatable story of a family on the brink of change: a mother is dying, a father is trying to come to terms with his impending loss, and a son mourns not just his mother but his inscrutable father -- as well as his future self, who longs to leave the desert for the city of Jerusalem.

At times, the dialogue sounds anachronistic, more A.D. than B.C., and it can be distracting. But strong performances and a compelling premise ultimately keep Last Days aloft.

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