Faithspotting "Heart of the Beast"

Mike and Kenny discuss the latest collabortation between Brad PItt and director David Ayer (Fury), the survival thriller Heart of the Beast. In the film, James Belmont (Pitt) is a retired Special Forces officer who flies into the wild of Alaska with Odin (Uber) his retired German Shepherd partner. After spending two nights fishing and camping they are involed in a plane crash on the way home and must traverse 58 miles of rough terrain, wolves and bears, while overcoming injuries sustained in the crash and along the journey. The film shows the dedication James and Odin have for each other as they work together on their dangerous trek out of the Alaskan wild.

Faith Spotted:

As one might expect in a film about a difficult and dangerous journey, the film reflects the growth one can achieve in when persevering trials and suffering. In Romans 5 Paul teaches that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Such perseverance also leads to hope when journeying through the wilderness of the struggles faced in life.

In addition, the film depicts the role of a shepherd as told through the 23rd Psalm. Both James and Odin serve as shepherds to the other and are present together as they walk through the hills and valleys of the Alaskan wild which serve as the valley of the shadow of death. Both work to restore each other's souls as they are impacted by PTSD from the trauma experienced in the war in Iraq. Odin specifically leads James as the shepherd led the psalmist. The Psalm speaks of the loyalty and love of the shepherd for the flock, loyalty James and Olin have and that represents the faitfulness and love of God who is also present with us as we journey through dark valleys and green pastures and who restores our soul.

Psalm 22 is also reflected in again showing that despite the dangers and enemies one faces, God is present and God turns loss and sure death into everlasting life.

Another element reflected in the film is the power and place of purpose. As holocaust survivor and psychiatrist Viktor Frankl expeienced and shares in his acclaimed book, Man's Search for Meaning it was the prisoners who found a purpose, not necessarily the strongest or initially healthiest, that were most likley to survive the horrors of the concentration camps. The call to ministry and discipleship offers that purpose that also gives meaning in both the struggles as well of joys of life.

Heart of the Beast is rated PG-13

Thank you WIT PR for the opportunity for Faithspotting to host a pre-screening in the Dallas area.