Noah, directed by Darren Aronofsky, is arguably one of this year’s most controversial films. Though I am no expert on biblical tales, much of the flim’s plotline is the result of an artistic license taken by Aronofsky. However, this movie is intrinsically not meant to be a play by play of biblical events. It is a movie, meant to entertain.

​One of the film’s more impressive aspects is the amount of plot Aronofsky and Ari Handel, co-writer, manage to plunge into its two hour and 19 minute runtime. Based on the events of the original biblical story of Noah’s Ark, God calls upon Noah (Russell Crowe) to erect an ark in preparation for a flood that would end civilization. Noah begins as the film’s protagonist, fending off the greedy and self-righteous king of the land to carry out God’s will. 

But the line between good and evil becomes blurred when Noah does anything it takes to carry out God’s plan. Not only does he let the potential love of his son, Ham (Logan Lerman) die; but once the water rises, he goes so far as to threaten the lives of his future grandchildren in order to prevent the continuation of humanity. This results in severed family ties, vindictive betrayals and an enduring question of morality and mercy that pervades the film.

​When it comes to the average Hollywood action blockbuster, Noah fits right in. With epic battle sequences that take their time and fantastical creatures including angels and “the Watchers” (giant rock creatures that were once angels), it seems that Noah covers the same territory as The Lord of The Rings or Star Wars franchises. 

The tale becomes almost ridiculous with how many sci-fi and fantasy clichés are incorporated. No wonder the movie is the center of such controversy among members of the Christian community.  A magic hand that suddenly fertilizes a barren girl’s ovaries and the growth of a spontaneously blooming forest in a few minutes do not represent the Bible as a realistic or meaningful book. 

However, I don’t think this was Aronofsky’s original idea for the movie. As a film, it entertains just as any big budget blockbuster should. Though the movie can seem like a mishmash of storylines, genres, and special effects, there are also large segments where Noah takes a philosophical and sentimental turn.

At this point, I must commend the actors and actresses for their roles in bringing the film a little more down to earth. Many of the emotionally compelling scenes are lifted by the performances of both Crowe and Jennifer Connelly, who plays Noah’s wife Naameh. Much of the movie’s script consists of crying, yelling, whispering, or a combination of each; and it’s surprising how the cast gives a convincing portrayal of the emotions behind each of these features without overdoing it.

​It is easy to appreciate the overarching themes surrounding Noah. Religious or not, viewers are able to see that they are both thoughtful and relatable on a personal level. It can be a complex task to discern the right thing to do, both pragmatically and ethically. 

Because the film delves into such dark territory, including the death and destruction of the entire world, it is impossible as a viewer to know what the outcome should be. That is what the entire film’s premise is based on, which makes it refreshingly unpredictable.

​Honestly, in most films it is easy to predict what will happen in the end. Socially accepted morals usually prevail, especially in a popular, pseudo-action film such as this. However, because the Noah’s decisions are complete tossups between multiple evils (religiously speaking) before and after the flood, the outcome is inconceivable.

​Overall, Noah is a surprisingly thoughtful film with a large amount of superfluous fluff that draws a thin line between distracting the viewer and adding another dimension to the film. Whether it’s the dark, gruesome images or a father and husband’s inhumane decisions, the film will leave you thinking about it for quite some time after the credits roll.