Among the many Christian-themed films shot in Jefferson County over the years, this 2023 dystopian sci-fi thriller is among the best, and most well-produced, both in terms of storyline and utilizing many different locations from our area. A futuristic retelling of the Biblical story of Job (but under the name of Kevin, as played by actor Neal McDonough), The Shift takes on the modern multiverse of brands like Spiderman and applies it to a classic religious narrative that is compelling in its use of updated character arcs in lieu of what could be tired tropes that may bore contemporary some audiences. Successful in its adaptation, with people like the menacing presence known as The Benefactor (ie- Satan) using space age technology to “shift” people into different lives and dimensions to do his evil bidding— and being successfully fought by Kevin after having lost his livelihood, wife and son— it’s the type of movie that will make people reassess faith-based filmmaking in terms of its unique approach to its subject matter. Featuring large swathes of Birmingham and the surrounding areas— including downtown Bessemer, Morris Avenue, The Wine Loft on 1st Ave. North, Slim’s pizza restaurant in Crestline, and Sloss Furnaces— all taking a turn in the spotlight, it’s two of the movies most climactic scenes— one shot on the 22nd Street Bridge, and the other at the long-shuttered Masonic Temple on 4th Ave. North— that really take the cake when it comes to incorporating the Magic City into its plot line. But to learn just how, you’ll have to watch the movie yourself!
FUN FACT: The film prominently features ex-child star and Goonies alum Sean Astin, who plays a modernized arch-angel Gabriel.
Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl7rtMiOrvY