"His Only Son," directed by David Helling, takes viewers on a journey into the life of religious figure Abraham, as he faces the ultimate test of faith: sacrificing his own son. Set against the backdrop of ancient Canaan and Moriah, the film features a diverse cast representing the working-class and middle-class individuals from Judeo-Christian teachings, showcasing white, Middle Eastern, and Egyptian actors.
The story centers around Abraham's obedience to God's command, which leads him to Moriah with his son Isaac and two other young men from Canaan, Kelzar and Eshcolam. As the group embarks on a three-day journey, "His Only Son" offers flashbacks that provide insight into Abraham's troubled marriage and the toll that his visions from God have taken on his relationship with his wife.
With a modest budget of $250,000, David Helling's passion project shines through in "His Only Son." The film showcases Helling's commitment to bringing stories of religious figures from the Christian Bible to the screen. While the limited budget is evident in aspects such as hairstyling and the number of locations and cast members, the cinematography stands out, offering striking and visually creative scenes that rival productions with much higher budgets.
For viewers familiar with the story of Abraham's journey and his encounters with God, "His Only Son" may not hold many surprises in terms of its outcome. However, the film faithfully depicts the moments of divine communication and prophetic visions that are integral to Judeo-Christian teachings. Additionally, the movie delves into the strains on Abraham's marriage caused by these extraordinary experiences.
His Only Son" briefly introduces a subplot involving a moral dilemma faced by the group during their journey, adding a touch of action-oriented suspense. While the subplot seems somewhat tangential, it fills the narrative and provides a momentary diversion.
Nicolas Mouawad delivers a solid performance as Abraham, embodying a character whose unwavering faith is tested. Sara Seyed brings intensity to the role of Sarah, Abraham's wife, whose melodramatic moments are offset by her strong-willed and opinionated personality. The rest of the cast delivers serviceable performances, supporting the main characters effectively.
While the film may occasionally feel slow-paced and include simplistic dialogue, "His Only Son" manages to explore the diverse perspectives on faith in God with depth. Helling's decision to maintain historically accurate accents, instead of adopting British or American accents, adds authenticity to the film's setting. Despite its low budget, the movie successfully tells a capable and compelling story about one of history's most revered religious figures.
"His Only Son" serves as a reverent and earnest drama, likely to appeal to audiences seeking faith-based films that present dramatic interpretations of religious teachings. The film's focus on Abraham's sacrificial journey and the complexities of his marriage provide a thought-provoking exploration of faith, making it a worthwhile watch for those interested in the subject matter.
His Only Son (2023) - info
- Release date: March 31, 2023
- Genre: Drama, History
- Director: David Helling
- Writer: David Helling
- Stars: Nicolas Mouawad, Sara Seyed, Luis Fernandez-Gil