Well-focused, faith-based thriller

Whenever movies, of any genre, tackle big subject matter, the best ones are those that stay focused on the immediate story. The Remaining does just that, and it comes off very well. The emphasis stays on the small band of main characters, even as the world is literally falling apart around them, and it gives us a chance to get to know - and care about - them.

End times theology can be frightening to non-believers (imagine a billion people suddenly vanishing), and the movie does a bang up job of playing on those fears. There are three or four very suspenseful set pieces, and they’re all the more suspenseful because we’ve gotten to know the characters.

Overall, The Remaining is a well written, well acted, well shot movie. Personal beliefs or biases may interfere with one’s level of enjoyment, but for this sinner saved by God’s grace, I really liked it.