Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Real-life story explores faith, spirituality; mature themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
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Where to Watch
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Come Sunday
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Carlton Pearson (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is a star in the Pentecostal world in COME SUNDAY. A charismatic and sincere African American minister, Bishop Pearson has been able to successfully integrate black and white parishioners in Higher Dimensions Church, his large, thriving Tulsa house of worship. Pearson's congregation, like other "mega-churches" in 1998, has a major presence on television and a national following, and it functions as a carefully maintained business run by one of the community's most loyal members (Jason Segel). Things take a dramatic turn when Pearson, highly moved after watching newsreel footage of the Rwandan massacre, hears God's voice. Though the Pentecostal doctrine clearly delineates that only those people who voluntarily commit to being saved by Jesus Christ will find a permanent home in heaven -- all others will be sent to hell -- the God who speaks to Pearson has a different message. Innocents, like the Rwandan children, cannot possibly be so easily abandoned. The more Pearson opens his mind and his heart to a compassionate God, the more he becomes certain that other innocents, including "sinners" who are gay, non-Christians, and any who have not asked for salvation, will still have God's and Jesus' love. Pearson's sermon expressing these transformative views sets off a calamitous series of events, which culminate in an intense face-off with the Pentecostal hierarchy, including Pearson's lifelong mentor, Oral Roberts (Martin Sheen).
Is It Any Good?
Much more than a "religious" film, this story, based on real events, will resonate with all who hope they would stand firm in their beliefs and take an honorable path, regardless of the consequences. Chiwetel Ejiofor is magnificent in the role of Carlton Pearson; authentic and forceful, he sensitively conveys both his commitment to taking risks and his deep-seated reluctance to do so. He is ably supported by Condola Rashad as his nontraditional wife forced into conventionality, as well as by Martin Sheen, Danny Glover, and Lakeith Stanfield. In an otherwise stellar production, the script is only adequate, with some clichés, on-the-nose dialogue, and elements of predictability -- which, in all honesty, would be hard to avoid given the events as they unfolded. Despite that, Come Sunday is a movie worth seeing. It offers families an opportunity to talk about the awful effects of divisiveness and intolerance of others' beliefs, both in church and in the community at large.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the fact that 20 years have passed since the events of Come Sunday took place. In what ways has our culture changed over those two decades? What signs, if any, are there that "The Gospel of Inclusion" is more acceptable, or even desirable? Specifically, how have attitudes about members of the LGBTQ community evolved?
Do you think that the filmmaking team tried to be fair to those who opposed Carlton Pearson's metamorphosis? Discuss how Henry was a character who showed that at least one of Bishop Pearson's adversaries was sincere in his beliefs. In what ways could both Pearson and Henry be seen as honorable, despite their differences?
How did this movie illustrate such character strengths as compassion, humility, integrity, and perseverance?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: April 13, 2018
- Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor , Jason Segel , Condola Rashad , LaKeith Stanfield
- Director: Joshua Marston
- Inclusion Information: Black actors, Female actors
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Friendship
- Character Strengths: Communication , Courage , Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time: 106 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
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