The Forge: The Powerful Story That’s Inspiring a New Generation of Godly Men

Film Sypnosis: The Forge is a 2024 American Christian biblical drama film directed by Alex Kendrick and co-written by Stephen Kendrick. A spin-off to War Room, it is the Kendrick brothers’ ninth film and the sixth through their subsidiary, Kendrick Brothers Productions. Their initial five films were created under Sherwood Pictures. It stars Cameron Arnett, Priscilla Shirer, Aspen Kennedy, Karen Abercrombie, T.C. Stallings, BJ Arnett, Ken Bevel, Benjamin Watson, Jonathan Evans, Jerry Shirer, and Tommy Woodard. After graduating from high school without any plans for the future, Isaiah receives a push to start making better life decisions.

Christian films often get a bad reputation for being cheesy and cringe. Although I have not seen many of the Kendrick Brothers other creations I can say with complete conviction that this movie is none of those things.

The Forge tells the story of 19 year old Isaiah who has been out of high school for a year and has little to show for it. He spends most of his time playing video games or at the courts playing basketball with his friends. His mother’s frustration with his lack of motivation comes to a climax when Isaiah fails yet again to do what he had promised he was going to do, forcing his mother to issue an ultimatum, get a job or get out. Isaiah finally finds a job at Moore Fitness where the owner shows a special interest in taking Isaiah under his wing to build his character. Isaiah is then forced to deal with his past, sacrifice his selfishness, and discover how God might have a greater purpose for his life through the prayers of his mother and unexpected guidance from his new mentor.

Doing Life With People

This film effectively shows the importance of doing life with people, allowing God to shine through our relationships. Mr Moore so graciously and patiently guides Isaiah. He provides him with life lessons that build his character and give him opportunities to address his past and make better choices. Through Mr Moore’s mentorship of Isaiah we see the impact that discipleship can have in the transformation of our lives. 

I personally have been so blessed by the mentor relationships I have had over the years. To be able to be vulnerable and authentic with someone who is a few steps ahead of you in life, to be able to ask hard questions, and to be able to follow their example are all beautiful elements of this kind of relationship. I also found that because a mentor is not related or a friend (although there is friendship within the mentor relationship) they offer an outside perspective on my life situations. While watching this film, I felt a warmth of gratitude for these relationships in my life and a longing that upon watching this film, others would seek this out for themselves.

Obedience

Throughout the film, Isaiah’s mother desperately prays for her son, for God to reveal himself to him in a way he hadn’t experienced before. Isaiah’s mother even rallies her friends and commits to praying through some of the struggles in the film. We really do see the power of prayer in this film and how, through submission to God’s will, we can find comfort and transformation.

One moment that impacted me greatly and I still reference regularly was when Isaiah was newly a believer. He was struggling to give up some of the old distractions in his life. Isaiah asked God through prayer what he needed to cull from his life, and the camera panned to the X-box. Isaiah was initially frustrated, but paused and said “you’re either Lord of my life or you’re not”. Now I use this as a reference when I struggle to submit to God’s callings.

Forgiveness

The theme of forgiveness in this film truly impacted me. We see Isaiah’s journey of forgiveness with his father, but the part that completely moved me was [SPOILER ALERT!!!!] when we find out that one of the gentlemen in the Forge group that Mr. Moore introduces Isaiah to, the first man to be mentored and disciplined by Mr. Moore, was the man who caused the car accident that killed Mr. Moore’s child. Like wow. To be able to be so gracious and forgiving to someone who hurt you so much can only be a testament to the Lord’s work in your heart. I think at that moment, I had tears flooding down my face. It caused me to question whether I am being forgiving to the people in my life.

Reflection

With so many deep themes in this film, no wonder I was inspired and highly convicted. The Forge inspired me to be bolder in bringing Christ into my relationships and everyday actions. Mr Moore gives a perfect example of going about everyday life whilst representing Christ and his love. This film convicted me on multiple levels.

Living Out the Film’s Messages

First, is there someone in my life who I can mentor or disciple? Matthew 28:19-20 shows that we are, called to this as Christians.

‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age’.

Matthew 28:19-20

It is so easy not to put this command into action. Who in my life is God calling me to lead in this way? Mr Moore made it look so easy to pick someone and start showing them Godly biblical living and principles.

Conviction in Prayer

Second, conviction in prayer. The way the ladies prayed in this film ignited a desire to really believe for what I pray for. Sometimes I use prayer as a way to update God on what I require without always believing that He can, will, and does answer those prayers.

After seeing this film I am excited and hopeful for the response of this film. My hopes and prayers are that this film will impact everyone who sees it. My prayer is that this can forge boys into young men of God through seeking godly mentorship. In a society where post-feminism has created passivity within men, we now more than ever require strong Godly leadership from men. I think this movie has the power to impact that much-needed change in Christian culture and society in general.

The Forge will not only touch your heart but also challenge you to live out your faith. The Forge is a must-see that will leave you inspired and ready to forge ahead in your own spiritual journey. I give this a 4 out of 5.

Please go and watch it and share it with your friends and family. I really do believe this movie will change your life.