Movie Review: The Shack (2017)

Title: The Shack

Length: 2hr & 12 m

Released: 2017

Genre:  Drama, Fantasy
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Hulu

SUMMARY:

After the abduction and presumed death of Mackenzie Allen Phillips' youngest daughter, Missy, Mack receives a letter and suspects it is from God, asking him to return to The Shack where Missy may have been murdered. After contemplating it, he leaves his home to go to The Shack for the first time since Missy's abduction and an encounter that will change his life forever.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I read this book a while back and it was so good. I've been meaning to watch the movie, but it fell off my radar and I moved on. While doing some crafting...this popped up as a recommended watch on my Hulu. Very strange, so I took it as a sign to watch. 

The story follows Mack. His youngest daughter is taken during a camping trip and signs of her death are scattered in an abandoned shack. His life and family are forever changed. Mack can't move past it or find any solace since he blames himself and wants revenge. One winter day, he discovers a letter in his mailbox supposedly from god asking him to meet at the Shack.

Sooo this does have some strong Christian overtones to this, but it was done so gracefully and it doesn't preach at you. The book was like that too, so I'm happy they stuck to the feels of the book. Yes, god, Jesus, and the Holy spirit are characters, but how they are presented seems to be a representation of what he thinks and feels. I loved how one of god's appearances is of a kind older lady he knew from his childhood. That was a beautiful touch.

The book/movie is mainly about a man looking to forgive himself, move past the hurt, and let go of his anger. I think the biggest thing was forgiving the sicko who did what they did. Like they say in the movie...forgiveness is not excusing what happened or letting that bad person off the hook. Forgiving someone who wronged you frees you. It allows you to move on and find peace in life. That part of the film really, really struck a cord for me. I think I sobbed the hardest there. 

"Forgiveness is not about forgetting, Mack. It is about letting go of another person’s throat. Forgiveness does not establish relationship. It is to release you from something that will eat you alive, that will destroy your joy and your ability to love fully and openly.”

Buuut yes, get the Kleenex ready. I was literally in tears or close to tears the whole time. I'm not religious and certainly not Christian, but this really hit hard in the heart. I always said I am more spiritual because I do believe there is something out there, but not what we have written in some dusty book. When I started the film, my hubby walked in and asked what I was watching (I was about 5 minutes in). He sat down and stayed. My hubby is an Atheist and this still made him tear up (don't tell him that I told you lol). 

He and I both agreed the acting was PHENOMENAL! They all deserved an award for sure especially the actor who played Mack. The way he brought all the emotions and displayed it all for us? *stands up and claps* Everyone else was amazing too, but damn...he really brought it. He's a strong man and a manly man, so when he broke down into tears good lord did it just rip your heart in two.   

Even though there are some religious tones to this, this movie is for everyone. I honestly would watch this again. 

5 stars.