The Forge (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
The Forge (2024) is a faith-based film directed by Alex Kendrick and distributed by Affirm Films. Set against the backdrop of Charlotte, North Carolina, this movie explores themes of mentorship, personal growth, and faith. With a solid cast led by Aspen Kennedy, Priscilla C. Shirer, and Cameron Arnett, The Forge is the latest addition to the Kendrick Brothers’ repertoire of inspiring and family-friendly movies.
This review will delve into the movie’s plot, themes, and performances while also providing information on where you can stream or rent the movie online once it becomes available.
Plot Summary
Isaiah Wright (Aspen Kennedy) is a 19-year-old whose life lacks direction. He spends his days playing video games and basketball, with little ambition beyond that. His mother, Cynthia Wright (Priscilla C. Shirer), grows increasingly frustrated with his lack of motivation and pushes him to find a job, setting a one-month deadline. Reluctantly, Isaiah embarks on a job search that leads him to Moore Fitness, a gym owned by Joshua Moore (Cameron Arnett).
Joshua is a successful businessman who sees potential in Isaiah despite his initial disrespect and lack of focus. Instead of brushing off Isaiah, Joshua offers him not only a job but also mentorship. Through this relationship, Isaiah learns valuable life lessons that help him grow into a responsible young man. The movie follows Isaiah’s journey as he navigates the challenges of adulthood, faith, and self-discovery under Joshua’s guidance.
Themes and Message
The Forge is more than just a coming-of-age story; it’s a film deeply rooted in Christian values. The central theme is the transformation that can occur when a young man is mentored by someone who cares about his spiritual and personal growth. Joshua Moore serves as a father figure to Isaiah, helping him not only secure employment but also find purpose and meaning in life.
One of the movie’s key messages is the importance of discipleship and mentorship, particularly in a faith-based context. The movie underscores how critical it is for young men to have strong role models who can guide them through the complexities of life. Additionally, the film emphasizes forgiveness, responsibility, and the idea that true manhood is defined not by age but by character and faith.
Performances
Aspen Kennedy delivers a convincing performance as Isaiah Wright, capturing the character’s initial apathy and gradual transformation. Priscilla C. Shirer, known for her roles in other faith-based films, brings depth to the character of Cynthia Wright, portraying a mother’s love and frustration with authenticity. Cameron Arnett stands out as Joshua Moore, providing a balanced mix of sternness and compassion in his mentorship role. His portrayal of a man who balances business success with deep Christian faith is both inspiring and relatable.
The supporting cast, including Karen Abercrombie as Miss Clara Williams, adds warmth and humor to the story, making the film accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience.
Cinematography and Direction
Alex Kendrick, who has a long history of directing successful Christian films, brings his signature style to The Forge. The film’s cinematography is clean and polished, reflecting the high production values typical of the Kendrick Brothers’ films. The pacing of the movie is steady, with a clear narrative arc that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.
While the film’s message is overtly Christian, it is delivered in a way that is sincere rather than preachy. The scenes involving mentorship and personal growth are particularly well-executed, providing a realistic portrayal of how challenging it can be to change one’s life course.
Where to Watch The Forge Online
As of its theatrical release on August 23, 2024, The Forge is currently available in theaters across the United States. For those who prefer to watch movies from the comfort of their homes, you might be wondering when and where The Forge will be available to stream online.
Streaming Services:
- Netflix: While The Forge is not yet available on Netflix, the platform has been known to add popular faith-based movies to its library. Keep an eye out for potential streaming availability in the coming months.
- Amazon Prime Video: Amazon often hosts both rental and purchase options for new releases. Once The Forge completes its theatrical run, it may be available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video.
- Hulu: Hulu sometimes acquires streaming rights for Christian films. Check Hulu’s “New Arrivals” section after the movie’s theater run.
- Disney+: Given that The Forge is a family-friendly film, there’s a chance it could appear on Disney+ in the future, though this is less certain.
- PureFlix: As a streaming service dedicated to faith-based content, PureFlix is a likely candidate to host The Forge. If you are a subscriber, this may be the first place to find it online.
Rental/Purchase Options:
- Apple iTunes: Typically, iTunes offers new releases for rent or purchase shortly after their theatrical run. Keep an eye out for The Forge in the iTunes store.
- Google Play: Another option for renting or purchasing The Forge will likely be Google Play, where it will be available in HD and 4K formats.
- Vudu: Vudu often has early digital releases for purchase or rental, so expect The Forge to be available here as well.
Conclusion
The Forge is a film that will resonate with audiences who appreciate stories of personal growth, mentorship, and faith. While it follows a familiar formula seen in other Kendrick Brothers’ films, its heartfelt performances and inspirational message make it a worthy addition to the genre.
Whether you’re looking to watch The Forge in theaters or waiting for its digital release, this movie is sure to offer a blend of entertainment and spiritual encouragement. Stay tuned to your preferred streaming platforms for its online availability, and don’t miss the chance to see this uplifting film.
