Nathanael Smith
Nathanael Smith is an occasional film critic, but mostly works in politics. He is the Scotland representative for Christians on the Left
OpinionThe defeat of the assisted dying bill shows that the Scottish Church is alive and well
Bucking the current trend, the Scottish Parliament has failed in its most recent attempt to legalise assisted suicide. There’s many good reasons for that, says Nathanael Smith, but the country’s long history of revival, the unity of the Church and the prayers and actions of Christians all played their part
ReviewsOne Battle After Another is a masterful film about the melancholy of moral compromise
Leonardo DiCaprio’s latest film combines stunning cinematography and note-perfect performances with prescient themes of revolution, fascism and political division. Here’s why Christians should engage with it
ReviewsBonhoeffer: This provocative biopic is a warning to Christians
Bonhoeffer isn’t a nice story about someone standing up for their faith. It’s a warning to all Christians not to tie themselves to any one political identity, says our reviewer
ReviewsSound of Freedom: This Christian film on child trafficking has become a weapon of the culture wars
The controversy and commentary around Sound of Freedom threatens to overshadow the important issues it raises. It’s the most perplexing cinema release of our times, says Nathanael Smith
ReviewsJesus Revolution: Why the best Christian film yet fails to reach greatness
After a record-breaking run in the US, Jesus Revolution is showing in UK cinemas from today. Our film reviewer says its the best Christian film he’s seen
ReviewsBeef’s positive portrayal of evangelical Christianity is rare and realistic
Beyond that one church worship scene that went viral on twitter, Netflix’s Beef is a profound morality tale, says Nathanael Smith. Anger can wreck our lives, but God’s amazing grace is always available, no matter how low we fall
ReviewsA Christian guide to this year’s Oscar nominations
Films play a big part in shaping our culture, says Nathanael Smith. So it’s good for Christians to know what’s going on and engage with the issues they raise. Here’s his guide to the big hitters
Reviews100 Bible films
Matthew Page’s impressive book on the history of scripture adaptations is a Christian cinephile’s dream, covering everything from five-minute silent films to four-hour Italian epics.
ReviewsThor 4: Fast, funny, forgettable...and deeply theological
Thor: Love and Thunder is all about trying to beat death in the face of an uncaring universe.
ReviewsTestament is a promising British retelling of the parables. It’s just a shame the message gets muddled
Paul Syrstad has set his biblical epic in the modern day. The premise is promising, but the delivery isn’t fully coherent, says our reviewer
Magazine FeaturesFather Stu is a Christian film…but not as you know it
Your enjoyment of Father Stu is contingent on your tolerance for both bad language and Mark Wahlberg, says our reviewer. Nevertheless, this movie does mark a positive step forward in the evolution of Christian filmmaking
ReviewsCODA: Why Christians should pay attention to this Oscar-winning film
Now that the world has finished talking about Will Smith’s infamous slap, can we get back to the actual films? Nathanael Smith reviews CODA
Magazine FeaturesWhy ‘A Christmas Carol’ is shot through with Gospel truth
At the heart of Dickens’ festive classic is a powerful redemption story. No wonder it’s one of the most adapted works of fiction ever written
ReviewsSquid Game: What is it? Why is it a hit? Should Christians watch it?
Squid Game is the most popular show on Netflix. Should Christians watch it?
ReviewsThe Chair’s portrayal of cancel culture is essential viewing for Christians
The Netflix satire is all about freedom of speech, says Nathanael Smith
Magazine FeaturesSoul: Why a Disney film about death is worth your time
Disney/Pixar’s new blockbuster is themed around the afterlife. In his spoiler-free review, Nathanael Smith says the film contains an unusual but timely message
Magazine FeaturesIn search of a superhero: How Marvel is fulfilling our generation's longing for escape
As the phenomenally popular Marvel film franchise continues this month with the release of Avengers: Endgame, film critic Nathanael Smith explains why he believes the franchise stands for very little and resists substance at almost every opportunity
