LORD OF THE FLIES

This version of Lord of the Flies has a serious theme but little reason to exist. It is almost identical to the 1963 black-and-white film, adding color along with obscene and vulgar language. The source review says the original was better and recommends renting it instead, or reading William Golding’s book.

The story’s central warning remains significant. Without God and the civilizing knowledge of Jesus Christ, people can descend into savagery, false worship, and destruction. But this film presents that warning through murder, violence, frenzied rituals, and vulgar language.

For adults studying the theme at home, the film may offer something to discuss. For family viewing, choose the original or the book instead. The practical answer is: wait for home, and only for discerning adults.

Twenty-four American schoolboys from a military academy are stranded on a South Pacific island after their plane crashes. No adults survive, so the boys must govern and care for themselves.

Ralph leads one group, which tries to preserve civilization. Jack leads another, embracing the savagery of the island. As the boys divide, fear and the desire for power begin to challenge the fragile order they have built.

Two stars means this film has a serious subject but is not a strong version of it. The movie is an almost identical color remake of the 1963 black-and-white film, which the source review considers better. Its main additions are color and obscene and vulgar language.

The underlying story remains useful because it dramatizes the collapse of order and the reality of human sin. But the remake’s lack of originality and added language weaken its value. The source review points viewers toward the original film or Golding’s book for a stronger treatment.

The film rejects the romantic idea that people in nature are naturally noble. Instead, it presents human beings as capable of savagery, pagan sin, and false worship when separated from God and the structures of civilization.

The boys divide between Ralph’s commitment to civilization and Jack’s embrace of their savage surroundings. Jack’s group paints their faces, performs frenzied dances and rituals, and worships a “beast.” The source review sees this as a picture of people turning to false gods to satisfy their lusts and desires.

The film’s deeper message is that people need God as the object of faith and the Sovereign Ruler of life. It is not merely about good versus evil; it warns that without God, human beings degenerate into pagan idolaters doomed to destruction. The source review also connects the preservation of law with Christian civilization and says that only the saving and civilizing knowledge of Jesus Christ can rescue humanity from this descent.

Scripture gives the same warning about misplaced worship: “they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator” (Romans 1:25).

Lord of the Flies carries a serious warning about sin, false worship, and the collapse of civilization. But it is an inferior remake with added vulgar language and troubling violence. For adults who want to study the story, wait for home; for family viewing, choose the original or the book. WAIT FOR HOME — ADULTS ONLY.