The Brand New Testament (2016) Plot Summary Explained

Ea rebels because she can no longer tolerate her father's oppressive and sadistic nature. Unlike her brother who also struggled under God's rule, Ea is particularly sensitive and reaches a breaking point when she witnesses God imposing arbitrary, cruel laws that torment humanity for his own amusement. This motivates her to continue the quest her brother began to free the universe from God's tyranny.

Foreshadowing: Earlier scenes show Ea living in a dismal environment with her submissive mother, setting the stage for her eventual rebellion.

• Ea
• God
• rebellion
• father
• tyranny

Ea destroys the computer because it represents God's tool of control over the universe. By destroying it, she breaks her father's ability to impose his arbitrary laws on humanity. This act symbolizes her commitment to liberating not only herself but also all the people affected by God's cruel rules.

Foreshadowing: The computer is shown as the instrument through which God enforces his arbitrary laws.

• computer
• destruction
• control
• laws

When Ea reveals the death dates of every person, it creates a universal existential awakening. People are forced to confront their own mortality, which prompts them to reevaluate their lives and priorities. This knowledge becomes the catalyst for Ea's mission to gather apostles who will help humanity find meaning in the face of death.

Foreshadowing: Ea's act of rebellion is directly tied to freeing humanity from God's arbitrary control.

• death dates
• mortality
• revelation
• humanity

The six apostles are ordinary people who are randomly selected after the death dates are revealed. Ea chooses individuals from diverse backgrounds who are shaken by the knowledge of their mortality. Each apostle represents a different aspect of humanity dealing with the reality of death.

Foreshadowing: The timeline mentions Ea gathering six apostles as part of her mission of liberation.

• apostles
• selection
• ordinary people
• mortality

Each apostle writes their unique gospel as a way to process and share the wisdom they've gained through their life experiences. Ea guides them to explore their individual journeys, recount pivotal moments, and capture the lessons learned from their struggles. These personal narratives become celebrations of life and self-discovery.

Foreshadowing: Ea's role is specifically described as helping the apostles uncover their true selves.

• gospels
• wisdom
• journey
• self-discovery

God's power diminishes as a consequence of his own actions and the rebellion he has spurred. As Ea liberates humanity from his control and the truth of mortality spreads, God loses his grip on the universe he created. His realization about the harsh reality of the world he fashioned also contributes to his weakening state.

Foreshadowing: God's pursuit of the apostles reflects his desperate attempt to reestablish control as his powers wane.

• God
• power
• diminishment
• weakening

The 'new testament' refers to the gospels written by the six apostles under Ea's guidance. Unlike traditional religious texts, these are personal accounts of human experience, wisdom, and the lessons learned from confronting mortality. The title represents a celebration of life and a new perspective that defies the old order established by God.

Foreshadowing: The apostles writing their unique gospels is central to Ea's mission.

• new testament
• gospels
• title meaning
• celebration

God's pursuit gradually transforms as he comes to grips with the consequences of his cruelty. Rather than a violent confrontation, the climactic showdown represents a conceptual and playful conflict. As God's powers diminish, the apostles unite to assert their independence, ultimately leading to a resolution where God accepts the new order.

Foreshadowing: The timeline describes a climactic showdown as God's influence diminishes.

• God
• pursuit
• confrontation
• resolution

God slowly comes to understand the harsh reality of the cruel world he has created. He realizes that his sadistic laws have caused unnecessary suffering and that his powers are beginning to fade. This gradual realization marks a significant change in his character as he confronts the implications of his own actions.

Foreshadowing: The timeline explicitly mentions God's realization as a key development.

• God
• realization
• world
• creation
• suffering

The knowledge of their death dates transforms each apostle significantly. Confronted with their mortality, they embark on journeys of self-discovery, uncovering their true selves and embracing authenticity. This awareness helps them recognize the value of their existence and motivates them to live fully and meaningfully.

Foreshadowing: Ea's mission specifically focuses on helping the apostles uncover their true selves.

• apostles
• transformation
• mortality
• authenticity

Ea's brother, who also struggled under their father's paranoid control, establishes a family pattern of rebellion. Ea is determined to finish the quest her brother began, suggesting that his resistance preceded hers. This connection adds depth to Ea's motivation and implies a generational struggle against divine tyranny.

Foreshadowing: The summary mentions Ea is determined to finish the quest her brother began.

• brother
• family
• resistance
• quest

God living in a Brussels apartment is part of the film's whimsical, satirical premise. The mundane setting contrasts sharply with his divine role, emphasizing the film's comedic take on religion. This choice underscores the absurd nature of the story while making the fantastical elements feel grounded and relatable.

Foreshadowing: The summary establishes this setting as the foundation of the film's tone.

• Brussels
• apartment
• setting
• satire