Movie Review: "The Forge" By The Kendrick Brothers

The Forge, released in 2024 on Netflix by the Kendrick Brothers is nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece. It isn't just a movie but one that is so profound with an experience that touches the soul and stirs the spirit. 'The Forge' is a transformative experience.

About the movie (The Forge)

It centers around a young teenager, Isaiah (Aspen Kennedy), a smart 19-year-old boy who is irresponsible as he struggles to find a clear direction for his life. He loves to play basketball with his friends and plays video games 'too much,' one that has turned into an addiction for him. Isaiah is raised by a single mom (Priscilla Shirer), and when she couldn't tolerate his attitude anymore, she gave him an ultimatum of one month to find a job. While on the search for a job, he met Joshua (Cameron Arnett), an older man and director of the Moore's Fitness Company. He offered to give Isaiah a job and become his mentor in the company and in his life. Joshua is a preacher and the group leader of a Christian team called "The Forge."

I love this movie as it depicts the life of a parent who feels lost and pained as to how to help her son get on the right track. All she could do was to PRAY. Not only does she pray for him, but she rallies others around him with her prayer partners and always covers him in prayer. After Joshua came into Isaiah's life, influenced him positively and led him to Christ, the mother felt joyful. A big transformation happened.

I love the storytelling, so deeply heartfelt. It's one of those rare films that stays with you long after the credits roll. Its narrative speaks of resilience, loss, forgiveness and hope that feels both raw and profoundly human. I found myself crying more than once because of its emotional depth which took me by surprise. Some moments felt like a divine reminder that God is always present in our lives and no matter where we are at or what we are, He will always hear us when we call on Him.

The message was clear: of faith, hope and God's enduring love for humanity.

The Kendrick Brothers did an amazing job on the movie as it focuses on the Christian journey - discipleship, prayer, faith, love, discipline and others. The movie is so incredibly inspiring that speaks of the right people we meet that would change our Christian journey.

There is a room in the movie called the "War Room." That's where prayer takes centre stage. I saw how the sword was handed over to Isaiah - I cried emotionally at this scene because it's a message of passing on the mantle to him to make disciples and keep the forge expanding.

The movie deals with the issue of forgiveness which isn't always as easy as it looks in the film. Imagine a drunk driver who accidentally killed the only child Joshua and his wife had, but he chose to let go, forgive and lead the man to Christ - something not that easy in real life, but the movie gives a message of hope, as well as one of love and teamwork.

I would recommend "The Forge" to everyone, especially the younger generations that are struggling to find their paths and also to the older generations to invest in the younger ones.

I rate this movie an 8/10 because it delivers remarkably. It was nothing short of spectacular. The narrative was compelling and the Kendrick Brothers were great. The movie is a big message to everyone out there who needs a transformative change, just like Isaiah. A very powerful storytelling!

_{Images are screenshots from Imdb}