Pastor's Kid - So This is What Real Life Looks Like?!


Every so often you come across a film that is different.  You are not really sure what or how to label it.  It is  more than a drama, walks deeply into the waters of personal value or worth, and dares to traverse the divide between the secular and the Christian world.  Is it a Christian movie?  If so, can it exist under the banner of an “R” rating?  And can a Christian film really portray the depth and darkness of the sin that encompasses the individual caught in the chaos of life while arriving at a moment of personal salvation devoid of a “field scene” with outstretched arms towards a cross in the clouds?

So what is this film considered?  Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Benjamin Koppin and Courtney Bandeko, the director and lead actress for the movie Pastor’s Kid (to be released March 15, 2024).  How would they describe this movie they just created?  Well, Ben used the descriptive title, “Arthouse Christian Film.”  This is a type of movie that strays from the mainstream commercial path in order to create a unique, artistic (and in this case, uniquely Christian) expression.  Films like this are often serious in their tenor and tone and make the audience feel as though they are peering into the lives of the character as if in the room or looking through a window.  You, as the audience, are made to feel the character’s pain and experience with them their crises…and there may not be a neat and tidy resolution at the end of the film.  Call it what you will - this is Christian Art that is messy, raw, and real.

Pastor’s Kid drops you into the middle of a college student’s life.  We meet Riley, brilliantly played by Courtney Bandeko,  recovering from a date rape drug and being comforted by her gay friend.  With each passing moment we discover Riley is estranged from her mother and surrounded by friendships of other broken people.  Drugs, alcohol, and sexual promiscuity have replaced healthy familial relationships.  As Riley pushes down relational pains and spiritual hurt, she bottles up her emotions only to let them flow out when others are not around.  The outward image she projects conflicts with the inner pain that is eroding her soul.

Ben Koppin has led us down a road that causes the Christian to stop, look, reflect, and thoughtfully consider what the walk of faith may look like for many in the world today.  The path may be littered with moral failings, destructive behaviors, hurtful relationships, and spiritual hypocrisy.  Sometimes the well-intentioned church member can say the most hurtful things that sticks with a person for the remainder of their days.  And sometimes the broken friend can share the most encouraging word to find our way back into the loving arms of Jesus.

Life is messy…very messy.  And when relationships fray and poor life decisions are made, life looks more “R” rated than “PG.”  So why not create a movie that is more reflective of reality than some Christian fantasy?  Courtney Bandeko brings Riley to life precisely because she is authentic.  And even when we arrive at the end of the movie there is still tension - as Riley discovers the transformative power of forgiveness and the strength to break free of her past, there is still life ahead to be lived to the full.  We know her story is still being written - and that’s okay.  Why?  Because life is messy and it is a work incomplete until we take our last breath.  Pastor’s Kid is an important movie and we need more films like this.  So I encourage you to find it and check it out (the movie’s website is pastorskidthemovie.com) .  It’s real…very real…and it’s important to support Arthouse Christian movies that portray life just as it is - even when life is rated “R.”



 

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