One of the benefits of knowing God is that everything falls into place, or almost everything. As a Christian, you see a purpose and meaning in life and a destiny for all humanity. Even the difficult questions of life get closer to being answered. God does have something to say about evil and suffering in the world. More importantly, he has done something about it. I am continually amazed by some people who prefer a meaningless, random universe rather than one ruled by a benevolent creator.
One of the telling signs of that perspective is what type of art or entertainment people embrace. The movie that has won the Oscar for best picture has been underwhelming for the last five years or so. None more unappealing than this year’s winner, “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once.” Yet some love it and think it is not only the best film of the year but also a film that will change filmmaking into the future. I hope not. Here is one person’s response to the movie:
"What's magic about ’Everything, Everywhere, All At Once’ is that it sits with you. The raw creativity and passion come through every scene, and creates emotional apexes not seen anywhere else. The way that the Daniels have made me care for a conversation between two rocks on a lifeless Earth is unlike anything I have ever felt before."
I am not sure how a conversation between rocks is compelling. The plot is confusing, and the more bizarre the scenes, the more it appeals to the senses (if you prefer that kind of thing) than developing the narrative of the characters. Some seem to believe this movie is a philosophical masterpiece because characters reach conclusions such as: “nothing matters.” The family at the center of this chaos does have poignant moments, but it is all so muddled. She is the most significant and powerful person because, as her husband says, "So many of your goals you never finished and dreams you never followed, you are living your worst life now.” But thankfully, there are many universes where you can be what you wish you were. He tells her, “She is capable of anything because you are so bad at everything.”
Some say it is very much a millennial film because it reflects the fears and worries typically associated with that generation. The hope is that all the pain and guilt from making nothing of your life goes away since life has little meaning. This hope is symbolized throughout the movie as the 'everything bagel,' which means nihilism rules. There is no objective truth, knowledge, morality, values, or meaning.
Ross Douthat concludes that “Everything Everywhere, All At Once” is a movie for a society much more unsure about the fundamental meaning of its stories, the real significance of human choices — and stuck hoping that a feeling held in defiance of one’s reason, a vibe of hope and love, will be enough to keep us from the abyss.”
A Christian response could be to rant against Hollywood, mock the movie (which is very tempting), or be compelled to share a much better narrative with lost people. There is a loving creator who lived a life just like us, but perfectly, and sacrificially gave up his life (for all the wrong things we have done) so that he can send his Spirit to dwell within us, a promised guarantee that we will be with him for eternity. Let's learn to share a better story.
