Risen

Risen

Year: 2016

Runtime: 107 min

Language: English

Director: Kevin Reynolds

Budget: $20M

ActionAdventureDramaMystery

A devastating meteor impact transforms a quiet town into a toxic wasteland, extinguishing all life. Exobiologist Lauren Stone ventures into this desolate environment to discover the cause of the catastrophe. As she investigates, she uncovers a looming threat that could lead to global extinction. Racing against time, Lauren must find a way to avert disaster and save humanity.

Risen (2016) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Risen (2016) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the heat‑blasted reaches of the Judean desert, a world caught between empire and prophecy unfolds. Against a backdrop of lingering dust and distant prayers, the film paints a stark, gritty portrait of a land on the brink of change, where the weight of history presses down on every stone‑cobbled road and sun‑baked settlement.

At the center of this tense landscape is Clavius, a weary Roman tribune whose sense of duty is as cracked as the desert floor he walks. After a brutal battle leaves him disoriented, he finds fleeting sanctuary with an innkeeper, only to be summoned by the imperious Pontius Pilate. The weight of the recent crucifixion of Yeshua hangs over the city like a dark veil, and Clavius is tasked with uncovering the truth behind the sudden, unsettling rumors that have begun to swirl among the populace.

Accompanying him is Lucius, a skeptical yet loyal companion whose presence adds a thread of camaraderie and tension to the investigation. Together, they navigate a world where soldiers, priests, and ordinary believers intersect, each offering fragmented clues about the enigmatic figure whose death has sparked both fear and hope. Encounters with a blind woman, a devoted follower, and the elusive Mary Magdalene hint at deeper currents of faith and doubt that ripple through the community.

The tone remains somber and contemplative, blending the stark realism of a war‑torn frontier with the lingering mystique of ancient prophecy. As Clavius delves deeper, the film suggests that the search for answers may become a personal journey, challenging his convictions and forcing him to confront the fragile boundary between empire’s order and the stirring promise of something greater.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 04:06

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Faith and Investigation Movies Like Risen

Stories where a logical, hardened protagonist finds unexpected spiritual truth.If you enjoyed the detective story turned spiritual quest in Risen, you'll find similar movies here. These films follow skeptical protagonists on investigations that shake their foundations, leading to hopeful personal transformations. They blend mystery drama with themes of faith, miracles, and redemption.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically begin with a protagonist anchored in logic or pragmatism, tasked with solving a mystery. As their investigation deepens, they encounter evidence that defies rational explanation, forcing a crisis of belief. The story arc follows their gradual acceptance of a higher truth, culminating in a hopeful personal rebirth.

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Movies in this thread share a core narrative DNA: a central character arc moving from doubt to faith, a methodical investigative pace, and a tone that balances solemn, weighty themes with a hopeful, transcendent resolution. The emotional journey of discovery is paramount.

Solemn Historical Quest Movies Similar to Risen

Contemplative journeys into pivotal historical events that explore faith and meaning.Find movies like Risen that immerse you in a pivotal historical setting for a thoughtful, character-driven quest. These films blend historical drama with elements of mystery and spiritual inquiry, offering a contemplative and hopeful viewing experience centered on profound personal discovery.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread unfold in well-researched historical periods, often around significant religious or cultural events. The plot follows a personal, often physical and spiritual, quest undertaken by a central character. The narrative is straightforward but deeply felt, prioritizing emotional and spiritual revelation over complex plotting or high action.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared mood and setting: a contemplative, solemn tone; a steady, deliberate pace suited for reflection; and a historical context that lends gravity and authenticity to a character's transformative journey of faith and discovery.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Risen

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