Light of the World

Light of the World

Year: 2025

Runtime: 1 h 31 m

Language: english

Director: Tom Bancroft

Echo Score: 86

Budget: $20M

AnimationDramaFamily

AD 30 finds the world awaiting the Messiah. Jesus isn’t exactly what they imagined, yet he holds a unique presence. Soon John, James, Andrew, Peter and other friends begin to follow him on an unexpected adventure. This 2‑D animated story shows Jesus’ life and teachings through his early followers, mixing humor and heart for viewers of all ages.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Light of the World yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Light of the World (2025)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Light of the World (2025). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1st century CE

The events unfold in the 1st century CE under Roman occupation. Daily life is shaped by taxation, crowded marketplaces, and faith traditions clashing with imperial power. The era is marked by a rising movement around Jesus that challenges established authority and invites new loyalties.

Location

Sea of Galilee, Jerusalem

Set in the Galilee region along the Sea of Galilee, the story centers on a small, tense fishing family under Roman rule. The coastal town and its bustling markets reveal a world defined by barter, debt, and survival. As the narrative travels from the fisherman's home to the religious heart of Jerusalem, the setting mirrors a shift from daily hardship to a larger spiritual mission.

🌊 Coastal 🕊️ Historic 🏛️ Sacred

Last Updated: October 14, 2025 at 03:57

Main Characters – Light of the World (2025)

Meet the key characters of Light of the World (2025), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

John (Benjamin Jacobson)

A fisherman whose family life is strained by Roman taxes. He steps toward a new path after a chance encounter with a carpenter and helps bring Jesus into a broader circle, balancing fear with hope as debts loom and faith expands.

🐟 Fisherman 🧭 Determined ✨ Believer

James (Dylan Leonard)

John’s older brother, part of Zebedee’s fishing world. He joins the evolving group, sharing in the responsibilities and risks as the followers grow and the mission deepens.

🎯 Disciple 🧭 Family Member

Zebedee (Dave Pettitt)

Father to John and James, wary of Roman influence yet compelled by his sons’ new direction. He experiences a transformation as the family’s fortunes shift through faith-driven choices.

👨 Father 🛟 Protective

Andrew (Vincent Tong)

A steady ally who helps John navigate hardship and joins in sharing the new message. He becomes part of the early group that travels with Jesus and supports the spread of faith.

🤝 Ally 🕊️ Loyal

Matthew (Adam Kozlick)

A tax collector whose presence underscores the social tensions of the era. His engagement with the group signals a widening circle of followers and the heavy burdens many carry.

🧭 Outcast 🧾 Tax Collector

Jesus (Ian Hanlin)

A carpenter who becomes a teacher and healer, performing miracles and guiding a growing following. His teachings emphasize mercy, love for enemies, and a transformative approach to faith.

🙏 Healer 🗝️ Teacher

The Baptizer (Jesse Inocalla)

A prophetic figure who points toward the Messiah, bridging old expectations with the new movement. His presence marks a turning point in the community’s sense of purpose.

📢 Prophet 🕊️ Catalyst

Salome (Erin Mathews)

A follower touched by Jesus’ miracles, she becomes part of the healing narrative and the expanding circle of believers who witness the transformation.

💫 Healed 🧡 Faithful

Nicodemus (Michael Benyaer)

A philosopher who navigates alliance with the high priests and the growing movement, reflecting the era’s tension between tradition and new faith.

🎓 Scholar 🧭 Cautious

Caiaphas (Adam Nurada)

The high priest who collaborates with other authorities to silence Jesus, embodying the institutional resistance faced by the early believers.

⚖️ Authority 🗡️ Opponent

Peter (Sam Darkoh)

A disciple who is still learning to trust and who experiences fear in danger, highlighting the human struggle within a devoted following.

🎯 Disciple 🧭 Loyal

Judas (David Kaye)

A member of the inner circle whose presence foreshadows the complexities and tests of faith within the group.

🧭 Insider 🤝 Complex

Pontius (Mark Oliver)

A Roman authority figure involved in the political tension surrounding Jesus and his followers, representing the external pressures from occupying power.

🏛️ Authority ⚖️ Power

Simon (Bill Newton)

A fellow follower who participates in the growing community, contributing to the movement’s practical and spiritual development.

🧭 Disciple 🤝 Supporter

Pharisee (Peter New)

A religious leader depicted within the story’s conflict with Jesus, reflecting the era’s scrutiny of new teachings and authority figures.

🎭 Opponent 🕍 Tradition

Joseph of Arimathea

A leader who honors Jesus’ burial and contributes to the reverent end of the crucifixion narrative, illustrating the nuanced loyalties among authorities.

🏛️ Leader 🕊️ Respect

Fish Monger (Richard Newman)

A local tradesman who embodies the everyday economy that threads through the fishermen’s lives and tests their resolve amid scarcity.

🐟 Merchant 🪙 Practical

Last Updated: October 14, 2025 at 03:57

Major Themes – Light of the World (2025)

Explore the central themes of Light of the World (2025), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

✨ Faith and Calling

John’s encounter with a carpenter sparks a shift from a life of debt and duty to a purpose-driven path. Andrew joins him, and together they decide to follow Jesus, trading hardship for hope. The narrative tracks how belief can redefine identity and set individuals on a shared mission.

🕊️ Mercy and Inclusion

The story emphasizes mercy beyond strict boundaries, from healing Salome to the parable-like lessons that challenge prejudice. Jesus teaches love that transcends rivalries and political divides, inviting followers to extend compassion even to enemies. This theme ripples through the growing circle of disciples as boundaries blur.

🌍 Community and Mission

What begins with a few fishermen blossoms into a broader movement that includes tax collectors, healers, and ordinary believers. The binding thread is a shared purpose: to carry a message that reshapes lives and communities. The journey from private doubt to public witness underscores the power of collective faith.

Last Updated: October 14, 2025 at 03:57

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Unlock the Full Story of Light of the World

Don't stop at just watching — explore Light of the World in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Light of the World is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Light of the World Summary

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Light of the World Summary

Light of the World Timeline

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Light of the World Timeline

Light of the World Spoiler-Free Summary

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Light of the World Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Light of the World

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