The Case for Christ

Year: 2017

Runtime: 112 min

Language: English

Director: Jon Gunn

Drama

A seasoned journalist and former defense attorney, Lee Strobel is shaken when his wife Leslie turns to Christianity. Seeking to understand—and ultimately disprove—her beliefs, he uses his investigative skills to examine the historical claims of Christianity. As he rigorously examines the evidence, Lee's pursuit of facts leads him on an unexpected journey of discovery, challenging his own deeply held atheistic convictions and forcing him to confront profound questions about faith and truth.

The Case for Christ (2017) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at The Case for Christ (2017) 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 bustling heart of Chicago, award‑winning investigative journalist Lee Strobel balances the relentless pressure of deadline‑driven reporting with the quiet responsibilities of family life. A former defense attorney with a razor‑sharp intellect, Lee has built his reputation on exposing inconvenient truths, treating every story as a case to be closed with hard‑won evidence. His world is one of newspaper offices, courtroom memories, and the constant hum of a city that never stops questioning.

At home, Lee’s pregnant wife Leslie brings a different rhythm—a blend of curiosity, faith, and an openness that contrasts sharply with his skeptical rigor. Their young daughter Alison embodies the innocent wonder that often sparks the most profound conversations, asking questions that force both parents to examine the foundations of their beliefs. When a chance encounter with a nurse named Alfie introduces a vivid, personal testimony of the divine, Leslie finds herself drawn to the comforting certainty of Christianity, setting the stage for a clash of worldviews within their marriage.

Compelled to protect his rationalist stance, Lee launches a personal investigative project, turning his newsroom’s basement into a makeshift war‑room of documents, interviews, and scholarly debate. He enlists the help of Kenny London, a seasoned religion reporter, whose expertise hints at the depth and historical weight of the faith Lee intends to dismantle. The tone of the film swirls between the disciplined cadence of a newsroom and the intimate, sometimes uneasy, moments of a family navigating spiritual transformation.

The story unfolds as a thoughtful, character‑driven exploration of doubt and belief, framed by Lee’s methodical pursuit of proof and Leslie’s quiet conviction. Against the backdrop of 1980s Chicago—a city of bustling streets, fervent faith communities, and relentless news cycles—the film invites viewers into a nuanced dialogue about truth, love, and the limits of evidence, all while keeping the ultimate resolution just beyond the horizon.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 03:22

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Explore Movie Threads

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.

Movies about intellectual faith journeys like The Case for Christ

Stories where logic and evidence collide with profound spiritual questions.If you enjoyed The Case for Christ, explore other movies where characters grapple with faith versus reason. These films feature similar investigative narratives, hopeful tones, and stories of personal transformation through intellectual and spiritual discovery.

inquisitivefaith-basedtransformativecontemplativehopefuldramaticearnest

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a character, often a journalist, scientist, or skeptic, who sets out to disprove a belief system only to have their own convictions challenged. The journey is linear and evidence-driven, progressing from doubt to a new understanding, often causing relational strain along the way before reaching a resolution.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a central theme of intellectual inquiry into faith, a hopeful and transformative tone, and a steady pacing driven by a character's search for truth. They appeal to viewers who enjoy seeing logic and emotion intertwined in a personal journey.

Movies about marriage strained by faith like The Case for Christ

Relationship dramas where one partner's spiritual awakening creates profound tension.Find movies similar to The Case for Christ that explore how a spouse's new beliefs can challenge a marriage. These dramatic stories focus on relationship tension, personal crisis, and the hopeful journey toward reconciliation and understanding.

dramaticintrospectiverelational strainhopefulcontemplativetransformativeemotional

Narrative Summary

The plot hinges on the conflict that arises when one character's core identity or beliefs change dramatically, threatening the foundation of their closest relationship. The story explores the strain of this divergence, the pain of misunderstanding, and the difficult path toward either reconciliation or acceptance.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their focus on a specific relational conflict: a marriage under pressure from a profound personal change. They share a medium emotional weight, a blend of drama and hope, and a central theme of navigating love and commitment in the face of ideological difference.

Unlock the Full Story of The Case for Christ

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Case for Christ 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 The Case for Christ is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Case for Christ Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Case for Christ, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Case for Christ Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Case for Christ with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Case for Christ

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Case for Christ. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

More About The Case for Christ

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Case for Christ: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to The Case for Christ

Discover movies like The Case for Christ that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.