The Brand New Testament (2015) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
The Brand New Testament (2015), directed by Jaco Van Dormael, is a Belgian fantasy-comedy film that offers a unique and humorous take on religious themes. The film imagines a world where God, residing in Brussels, is a petty and dysfunctional figure who controls human lives with a cruel sense of humor. This review will explore the film’s plot, performances, thematic elements, and where you can stream or rent The Brand New Testament online in the U.S.
Plot Summary: A Divine Rebellion
In The Brand New Testament, God (Benoît Poelvoorde) is depicted as a grumpy and capricious deity living in a dreary Brussels apartment. He leads a life of boredom and discontent, often tormenting humanity with arbitrary and unfair decrees. His teenage daughter, Ea (Pili Groyne), becomes fed up with her father’s cruelty and decides to take matters into her own hands.
Ea escapes from her father’s control and begins her own revolution by announcing to the world that God is dead and releasing everyone’s personal doomsday dates to the public. As a result, chaos ensues, and people start living with the knowledge of their impending deaths. Ea then sets out to write a new testament, aiming to bring a message of hope and redemption to humanity.
Throughout her journey, Ea recruits a group of unlikely disciples, each with their own quirks and struggles. The film follows Ea’s efforts to make sense of the world and create a new vision for humanity, while also exploring the personal and societal implications of her actions.
Performances: A Delightful Cast
- Benoît Poelvoorde plays the role of God with a mix of bitterness and absurdity. Poelvoorde’s portrayal brings a satirical edge to the character, blending dark humor with a sense of frustration and detachment.
- Pili Groyne stars as Ea, the rebellious daughter of God. Groyne delivers a charming and earnest performance as she navigates her new role and interacts with the diverse characters she meets. Her portrayal captures both the innocence and determination of her character.
- Catherine Deneuve appears as a wealthy and aloof woman who becomes one of Ea’s disciples. Deneuve’s performance adds a touch of elegance and wit to the film, contributing to its satirical tone.
- Yvan Attal and Natacha Régnier also feature in supporting roles, bringing depth and humor to their characters as they interact with Ea and her unconventional mission.
The ensemble cast effectively balances the film’s comedic and dramatic elements, contributing to its unique and engaging narrative.
Themes: Satire, Redemption, and Human Nature
The Brand New Testament explores several themes through its inventive storyline:
- Satire and Religion: The film offers a satirical critique of religious institutions and the concept of a divine being. By presenting a flawed and petty God, the film challenges traditional views of religion and explores the absurdities of religious doctrine.
- Redemption and Hope: Ea’s quest to create a new testament reflects themes of redemption and hope. Her goal is to provide humanity with a new perspective on life and a chance for a more compassionate and understanding existence.
- Human Nature and Free Will: The film delves into human nature and the concept of free will. By revealing everyone’s death dates, Ea forces people to confront their mortality and make choices based on this newfound knowledge. The film examines how individuals respond to the knowledge of their own demise and the impact it has on their lives.
Where to Watch The Brand New Testament Online in the U.S.
To watch The Brand New Testament, you can find it on various streaming and rental platforms:
1. Subscription-Based Streaming Services
- Hulu: The Brand New Testament is available for streaming on Hulu. If you have a Hulu subscription, you can access the film as part of its library.
2. Rental/Purchase Options
- Amazon Prime Video: Rent or purchase The Brand New Testament on Amazon Prime Video. Renting provides a 48-hour viewing window, while purchasing allows for unlimited streaming.
- Google Play Movies: Available for rent or purchase on Google Play Movies. Stream it on various devices, including Android phones and smart TVs.
- Apple TV (iTunes): Rent or buy The Brand New Testament on Apple TV for seamless streaming across Apple devices.
- Vudu: Offers The Brand New Testament for rent or purchase in high definition, providing excellent video and audio quality.
3. Other Platforms
- YouTube Movies: Rent or purchase The Brand New Testament on YouTube Movies, accessible on a range of devices.
- Redbox On Demand: Available for rental on Redbox On Demand, allowing instant streaming without physical media.
Conclusion
The Brand New Testament (2015) presents a whimsical and satirical take on religious themes, offering a fresh and comedic perspective on the concept of divinity and human nature. Directed by Jaco Van Dormael, the film combines dark humor with a thoughtful exploration of redemption and hope.
With strong performances from Benoît Poelvoorde and Pili Groyne, the film provides both entertainment and a provocative critique of traditional religious views. Whether you’re interested in satire, fantasy, or unique storytelling, The Brand New Testament offers an engaging and thought-provoking experience.
You can stream The Brand New Testament on Hulu or find it for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV, Vudu, YouTube Movies, and Redbox On Demand.
