Dogma

The film opens with a shocking scene where an elderly homeless man is brutally assaulted by a trio of pre-teen children. This occurs on a deserted boardwalk in Asbury Park, New Jersey, setting a dark tone for the movie.

In the nearby town of Red Bank, Cardinal Glick unveils a radical plan intended to rejuvenate the Catholic Church's image. He introduces a new symbol, the Buddy Christ, along with a special re-dedication ceremony promising plenary indulgence for attendees, arousing interest from various characters.

The fallen angels Bartleby and Loki learn about Cardinal Glick's plan through a newspaper clipping while loitering at an airport terminal. Seeing this as their chance to return to Heaven, they concoct a plan to exploit the plenary indulgence granted by the church ceremony.

Driven by desperation, Bartleby and Loki embark on a murderous spree targeting individuals they consider sinners. This includes the creators of the children's show Mooby the Golden Calf, illustrating their twisted rationale in the face of divine retribution.

Bethany Sloane, a disenchanted Catholic, struggles with a crisis of faith after personal losses. Working in an abortion clinic in Illinois, she channels her grief into her profession, pushing her personal life aside as she contemplates her beliefs.

Azrael, a demon overseeing the Stygian Triplets, conspires to hunt down the last Scion. His actions include committing a murder to drive home a point about sin, showcasing the demonic influence lurking behind the scenes.

Bethany has a pivotal encounter with the Metatron, God's messenger, who reveals Bartleby and Loki's plan to exploit the church’s loophole. He informs her of the potential fallout should they succeed, entrusting her with the mission to stop them.

As Bethany prepares for her journey to New Jersey, she is attacked by the demonic Triplets. Fortunately, she is rescued by Jay and Silent Bob, who inject humor into the chaos and reveal themselves as the prophets foretold by the Metatron.

While sharing a late-night meal at a diner, Bethany learns more about Jay and Silent Bob's prophetic roles. Their comedic interactions provide a moment of levity amid the impending crisis as they set off together towards New Jersey.

During their journey, the group meets Rufus, the 13th apostle who was excluded from the Bible due to his race. His insights into the nature of faith and adversity further enrich the story and highlight the absurdities of religious narratives.

As tensions rise, Bartleby becomes increasingly reckless, culminating in violent confrontations at the Mooby boardroom and during the church ceremony. His actions threaten to derail the group's efforts and reveal deeper moral quandaries.

In a dramatic climax, various forces converge at the church for the re-dedication ceremony. Bartleby's betrayal and Azrael's schemes unravel, leading to a fierce confrontation as Bethany strives to avert disaster and protect her lineage.

The film reaches a poignant conclusion as revelations surface regarding Bethany being the last Scion, a blood relative of Jesus. This critical discovery reshapes her understanding of faith and her purpose within the ongoing battle between good and evil.

Ultimately, faith is restored as Bethany survives the chaos, paving the way for a new beginning. The narrative balances themes of comedy and theology, leading up to an uplifting resolution that prompts reflections on both human existence and divine purpose.

In a heartwarming twist, the film concludes with the revelation of Bethany's pregnancy, symbolizing hope and renewal. This culminates in the blending of the sacred and the absurd, leaving audiences to ponder the complexities of faith amidst life's challenges.