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Risen (2016) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2016 · 107 min · English
JustWatch #5,052 18
Directed by
Kevin Reynolds
Starring
Cliff Curtis, María Botto, Tom Felton, Luis Callejo, Joseph Fiennes, Peter Firth
Budget
$20M

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.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Risen
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Risen (2016)

Where can you watch Risen? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on YouTube Free, Amazon Video and Apple TV Store: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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15 events in order · contains spoilers

Risen Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Risen (2016) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Clavius Wanders the Judean Desert

    Amidst the turmoil following the crucifixion of Jesus, Clavius, a weary Roman Tribune, finds himself desolate in the Judean Desert. He reflects on the recent events that have shook his faith and sense of purpose.

    When
    Time of Jesus' crucifixion
    Where
    Judean Desert
  2. The Intense Battle

    Clavius recalls a fierce battle against a rival army with his fellow soldiers, showcasing his life as a warrior. This moment serves as the backdrop for his subsequent summons by Pontius Pilate, revealing the turmoil within him.

  3. Meeting with Pontius Pilate

    During a pivotal meeting, Pontius Pilate elaborates on his grim rationale behind the decision to crucify Yeshua. Clavius listens intently, grappling with the implications of his orders and the moral conflict arising from them.

  4. The Crucifixion

    The scene shifts to the haunting moment of Yeshua's crucifixion. As Clavius stands by, he witnesses the agony of Yeshua on the cross, surrounded by mournful onlookers and the chilling atmosphere of despair.

  5. A Horrifying Act

    In a moment of grim authority, Clavius commands a soldier to hasten the thieves' deaths, resulting in a gruesome act of violence. Witnessing Yeshua’s suffering leaves a lasting impression, especially when a tremor shakes the ground.

  6. Aftermath of the Crucifixion

    Following Yeshua's burial in a stone tomb, a wave of confusion ensues as rumors spread about the stone seal being broken and the body missing. Clavius is tasked by Pilate to investigate this alarming incident.

  7. Clavius Teams Up with Lucius

    Clavius begins his investigation into Yeshua's disappearance alongside Lucius, determined to uncover the truth. They start interviewing witnesses to gather insights about the events surrounding the tomb.

  8. Confronting Witnesses

    As part of the investigation, Clavius meets various individuals, including a blind woman and a loyal follower of Yeshua. Their testimonies, filled with emotions, lead him to question his understanding of faith and loyalty.

  9. Searching for Mary Magdalene

    Clavius is advised to locate Mary Magdalene, a key figure who holds pivotal knowledge about Yeshua’s disciples. Her elusive nature poses a challenge for Clavius as the urgency of his mission grows.

  10. Discovering Yeshua Alive

    In a stunning turn of events, Clavius comes across Bartholomew, Mary Magdalene, and the Disciples, only to find Yeshua among them, alive and bearing the wounds of his crucifixion. This revelation shakes Clavius’s beliefs to their core.

    Where
    Disciples' House
  11. Journey to Galilee

    The Disciples, following Yeshua's instructions, prepare to journey to Galilee, where they are promised to find him again. Clavius, now intertwined with their mission, confronts Lucius over his loyalties.

    Where
    Galilee
  12. Fishing with Yeshua

    Clavius joins the Disciples in their fishing expedition at Yeshua's request. Their successful catch not only brings joy but also leads to a miraculous healing performed by Yeshua, showcasing his divine power.

  13. Clavius's Transformation

    Spending time with Yeshua, Clavius begins to experience a profound shift in his heart, struggling with his newfound faith and understanding of sacrifice. His interactions instill hope and a desire for redemption.

  14. Yeshua Ascends to Heaven

    In a breathtaking moment, Yeshua ascends to Heaven, enveloped in radiant light as he promises a home for his followers. Clavius witnesses this divine event that seals his transformation and faith.

  15. Return to Rome

    After parting ways with the Disciples, Clavius returns to Rome, where he finds Pilate accepting that the Disciples' influence may be irreplaceable. Back at the innkeeper's home, Clavius recounts his extraordinary tale.

    Where
    Rome

Last updated: October 27, 2024 at 21:37

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Timeline questions answered

Risen Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Risen (2016): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why did Pontius Pilate assign Clavius to investigate the missing body?

Pilate tasked Clavius with finding the missing body because as the commanding officer present at the crucifixion, he was the most logical choice to investigate a matter that could spark religious unrest. The disappearance of Yeshua's body from a sealed tomb threatened to inflame the local population and potentially provoke Roman authorities. Additionally, Pilate wanted to disprove any claims of resurrection that could embolden Jesus's followers.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Clavius demonstrated his authority by ordering the deaths of the thieves, showing Pilate he could handle violent situations.

  • pilate
  • clavius
  • investigation
  • tomb
  • missing body
Q2

What did the tomb guard witness on the day of resurrection?

One of the guards assigned to protect the tomb admitted to being inebriated but claimed he witnessed a blinding light and saw a figure emerge from within the tomb. This testimony initially seemed like the ramblings of a drunken man, but it aligns with the miraculous resurrection that later unfolds. The guard's account becomes crucial evidence that something supernatural occurred at the tomb.

Foreshadowing: The heavy stone seal had been removed before anyone arrived at the tomb, hinting at an extraordinary event.

  • guard
  • tomb
  • light
  • resurrection
  • witness
Q3

Why did Clavius come to believe in Yeshua after initially rejecting the resurrection?

Clavius's transformation occurred gradually through direct encounters with the risen Yeshua. After searching for the Disciples and the body, he unexpectedly found Yeshua alive in a house, bearing the wounds of his crucifixion. Witnessing the miraculous healing of a disfigured man and experiencing quiet conversations with Yeshua in Galilee further solidified his faith. By witnessing the ascension into Heaven, Clavius became convinced of the divine nature of Yeshua's mission.

Foreshadowing: Clavius was visibly shaken when he saw the tear on Yeshua's bloodied face during the crucifixion, showing early emotional cracks in his skepticism.

  • clavius
  • faith
  • belief
  • conversion
  • yeshua
Q4

What caused the earthquake during the crucifixion scene?

The sudden and powerful tremor that shook the ground during the crucifixion was a supernatural event within the narrative. It occurred at the moment when Yeshua's body was pierced, coinciding with Clavius witnessing a tear trailing down Yeshua's bloodied face. This phenomenon intensified the dramatic atmosphere and marked the moment as spiritually significant, though the film presents it as an event beyond normal explanation.

  • earthquake
  • crucifixion
  • tremor
  • sign
Q5

Why was finding Mary Magdalene important to Clavius's investigation?

Clavius was advised to locate Mary Magdalene because she was a known follower of Yeshua and held pivotal knowledge about his Disciples. Her reputation as a woman of questionable repute made her elusive and difficult to track down. Mary Magdalene eventually proved essential to locating the group of believers who could provide answers about the missing body and the claims of resurrection.

  • mary magdalene
  • disciples
  • investigation
  • followers
Q6

What was the significance of the fishing miracle in Galilee?

At Yeshua's instruction, Clavius and the Disciples went fishing and caught a bountiful haul, which they celebrated. This event directly fulfilled Yeshua's promise that they would find him in Galilee. The miracle demonstrated Yeshua's divine power and purpose, reinforcing his teachings and strengthening the faith of his followers. It also marked a turning point where Clavius witnessed supernatural events that shaped his belief.

  • fishing
  • miracle
  • galilee
  • disciples
  • catch
Q7

What happened during Yeshua's ascension to Heaven?

Yeshua ascended to Heaven in a magnificent display of radiant light, surrounded by his followers including Clavius. During this breathtaking moment, Yeshua promised a home for his followers, signifying the culmination of his earthly mission and the beginning of a new spiritual covenant. This divine event sealed Clavius's transformation and marked the definitive end of Yeshua's physical presence on Earth.

  • ascension
  • heaven
  • light
  • yeshua
  • promised land
Q8

Why did Clavius return to Rome after witnessing the ascension?

After witnessing Yeshua's ascension and spending time in Galilee with the Disciples, Clavius made a conscious choice to return to Rome. His mission there was complete, he had found the truth about Yeshua and experienced a profound spiritual transformation. In Rome, he recounted his extraordinary tale to the innkeeper, affirming his newfound faith. His return symbolizes spreading the message and living as a changed man rather than staying in Galilee.

  • clavius
  • rome
  • return
  • journey
  • faith
Q9

What happened to Lucius after Clavius confronted him?

Clavius confronted Lucius as they prepared to journey to Galilee with the Disciples. During this confrontation, Clavius disarmed Lucius and demanded that he return to Rome rather than continue with the group. This marks a decisive break for Clavius from his former Roman life and comrades. The film does not reveal Lucius's ultimate fate, but he was left behind as Clavius chose to follow the path of belief.

  • lucius
  • clavius
  • confrontation
  • rome
  • soldier
Q10

How did Clavius investigate the missing body from the tomb?

Clavius conducted his investigation by interviewing various witnesses, including a blind woman and a devoted follower of Yeshua. He also sought out Apostle Bartholomew, who remained loyal to Yeshua despite the circumstances. Clavius even went so far as to bring a corpse back to Pilate, claiming it could be Yeshua in an attempt to provide an explanation. His methodical approach as a Roman officer showed his determination to find concrete answers.

  • investigation
  • tomb
  • body
  • witnesses
  • disciples

Movie threads

More Movies Like Risen, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Risen tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

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.

  • faith driven
  • contemplative
  • solemn
  • spiritual
  • mysterious
  • redemptive
  • Tone: hopeful, solemn, transcendent
  • Pacing: steady, deliberate
Why these movies?

The story pattern: 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.

Why they belong together: 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.

  • solemn
  • contemplative
  • historical
  • spiritual
  • transcendent
  • mysterious
  • Tone: solemn, contemplative, hopeful
  • Pacing: steady, methodical
Why these movies?

The story pattern: 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 they belong together: 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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Movies Like Risen

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Every angle

Risen (2016) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Risen in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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