The Armor of Light

Fascinating and thought-provoking, Abigail Disney's directorial debut will make audiences think about what it means to be both pro-life and pro-gun reform. Schenck's story is as compelling as McBath's is heartbreaking, and each has much to say and to offer viewers about their personal journey. Both are individuals of deep faith, and, from very different perspectives -- he a white evangelical and she a black mother of a murdered son -- they come to the same conclusion: There's too much gun violence in the United States, and something needs to be done about it.

It's so interesting to see Schenck debate his fellow evangelical ministers, almost all of whom think God wants them to have guns to protect their families and who think Schenck is turning to the "dark side." Hearing Schenck say that he's afraid of being painted with a scarlet "L" (for liberal) is enough to make it clear how intertwined politics and religion are in the United States. Schenck is still pro-life and a political conservative, but when it comes to guns, he no longer believes there's a faith-based reason to follow the party line. In The Armor of Light, Disney doesn't shy away from how alienating it is for Schenck to decide to take a stand -- a strong contrast to how empowering the decision to become an advocate is for McBath. Two people, two stories, one message that might make you angry but will still make you think.