The Rapture

One of the more daring films in recent cinema, writer/director Michael Tolkin's The Rapture deals unflinchingly with the subject of Christian fundamentalism. Mimi Rogers stars as Sharon, a bored telephone operator who seeks spiritual meaning with her boyfriend Vic (Patrick Bachau) in sex swinger sessions with strangers. During one of these encounters, she meets Randy (David Duchovny) and tries to explain to him her feelings of emptiness and need for "something more." After attempting suicide and being converted by a cult-like group centered around a young black youth who prophesies the coming of the day of judgment, Sharon marries Randy, and they both join the church. Flashing forward six years, the story picks up with Randy being murdered by a disgruntled company employee, and Sharon taking her daughter Mary (Kimberly McCullum) to the desert to await the second coming. What happens in the desert is both shocking and tragic, and raises serious questions about Christianity while--paradoxically--offering a strangely moving vision of judgment day. The Rapture is not always believable--there are a few plot holes--and it's occasionally too preachy (some of the dialogue sounds like spontaneous sermonizing), yet it is unquestionably thought-provoking, and Rogers, as Sharon, is excellent as a woman undergoing spiritual awakening. Thankfully there are a number of good reviews to support the film, since it's quite possible that The Rapture will provoke anger in those who don't want to ponder the possibilities of taking the tenets of strict Christian fundamentalism to extreme conclusions. Recommended. (R. Pitman) [DVD Review--November 16, 2004--New Line, 100 min., R, $19.98--Making its debut on DVD, 1991's The Rapture boasts a sharp digital transfer and DTS, Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo sound options, as well as a commentary track by director Tolkin, and actors Rogers, Duchovny, and Bauchau). In addition, there are trailers for Delta of Venus and Wide Sargasso Sea, suggesting that New Line sees this as a piece of erotica as opposed to a thought-provoking film. Bottom line: kudos to New Line for releasing this challenging film on DVD in a handsome edition. Recommended.]