Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sentimental faith-based adaptation explores grief, healing.
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Why Age 12+?
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The Shack
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 24 parent reviews
Based on 16 kid reviews
Kids say the film evokes strong emotions, with many viewers highlighting its inspirational messages and profound themes about faith and forgiveness, though the heavy subject matter may not be suitable for younger audiences. While some praise the incredible cinematography and heartbreaking storytelling, others critique its slow pacing and suggest it may leave some viewers feeling lost, particularly those questioning their beliefs.
- emotional impact
- inspirational themes
- unsuitable for young children
- slow pacing
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Based on William P. Young's best-selling but controversial faith-based novel, THE SHACK tells the story of grieving father Mack Phillips (Sam Worthington). During a camping trip with his three children, Mack's youngest daughter, Missy, is abducted during a terrifying moment when his older children go overboard from their canoe. Missy is later presumed dead when her bloody dress is found in a backwoods shack. Months later, Sam receives a mysterious invitation in his mailbox to spend a time with "Papa" (his wife and children's nickname for God) at The Shack, something Sam at first thinks is simply a sick joke. Eventually he decides to return to the shack and winds up in the presence of Papa, a kind African-American woman (Octavia Spencer); Jesus, a Middle Eastern carpenter (Avraham Aviv Alush), and the Holy Spirit "Sarayu," a willowy Asian gardener (Sumire). During his time with the Trinity, Sam begins to heal and rededicate himself to his belief in and relationship with God.
Is It Any Good?
The talented cast elevates this sentimental faith-based adaptation above others in the genre. Although the story will clearly appeal mostly to the book's fans (a subset of Christians), it has some universalist themes that may draw in more a general audience. The multicultural, two-thirds-female depiction of the Holy Trinity is bound to delight some viewers and upset others.
Doctrinal considerations aside, The Shack benefits from the aforementioned cast and decent production values. Its biggest flaw is its length; two hours and 12 minutes is far too long for what's really a fairly simple story. The sequence featuring a personified "Wisdom" also feels contrived, since it doesn't fit with the otherwise strictly biblical characters. Still, Spencer is believable as a maternal and benevolent God, Israeli actor Alush is well cast as the culturally authentic Jesus who prefers "relationships" over "religion," and the Zen Holy Spirit is interesting (although audiences might feel a bit like Mack -- unable to discern exactly what her role is in the mystery of the trinity). And while The Shack definitely isn't laugh-out-loud film, there are moments of levity, and well as some that are purely heartbreaking. For those open to faith-based movies, this one is better than most.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the messages in The Shack. Are they just for Christians/people of faith? Why or why not?
Some theologians and Christians disagree with the way the story/film depicts God and the Holy Spirit. How do you fee about it?
How does the movie convey the importance of communication? Why is that a key character strength?
How does the film depict the grieving process? Parents, talk to your kids about loss and how it can impact a person in many ways. Are there many different ways to grieve? Why?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 3, 2017
- On DVD or streaming : May 30, 2017
- Cast : Sam Worthington , Octavia Spencer , Tim McGraw
- Director : Stuart Hazeldine
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Faith ( Christianity ) , Family Stories ( Dads , Moms , Siblings , Single Parents )
- Character Strengths : Communication
- Run time : 132 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic material including some violence
- Last updated : September 9, 2025
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