THE FOUR LIONS

Four Lions takes a dangerous subject—Islam-inspired domestic terrorism—and aims ruthless satire at the men who embrace it. Its deadpan documentary style follows four misguided would-be terrorists through ridiculous plans, botched preparations, and empty attempts at heroism.

The comedy does not dismiss the reality of terrorism or mock those who fight it. Instead, it makes the terrorists look pathetic while allowing some of them to reveal moral qualms, regret, and grief over wasted lives. That gives the film a deeper emotional level beneath its absurdity.

The cost is substantial. The movie contains at least 75 obscenities and profanities, including “f” words and “GDs,” along with strong, often comic violence. Adults who can engage its satire without being harmed by the language may find it worthwhile. For family viewing, choose something else.

Four misguided men in England decide to pursue jihadist terrorism. They make ridiculous videos, try to obtain weapons and bomb-making materials, and attempt to turn their cause into heroic action.

Their plans are complicated by incompetence, clashing personalities, and the gap between violent ideals and ordinary human weakness. The result is a dark comedy about men who want to matter but are wasting their lives in a deadly cause.

Four stars means this is an unusually accomplished comedy, and the source review praises its boldness. The deadpan documentary style fits the material perfectly, treating the characters’ plans with a seriousness that makes their foolishness even funnier.

The satire is sharply etched and audacious. The film takes many chances and, according to the review, gets them right. It also reaches a deeper emotional level as the men face regret, loss, and the emptiness beneath their attempted heroism.

Its chief weakness is not craft but content: the extensive foul language is a major barrier.

The film presents four Muslim characters—three men of Arabic descent and one Caucasian convert—who want to commit terrorist acts as part of the jihad movement. Its central conviction is that terrorism is not a path to salvation or heroism. Through satire, it portrays the cause and its plans as ludicrous while still acknowledging the real danger of terrorism.

The film also refuses to reduce its characters to simple monsters. Some develop moral qualms, and all express regret and a sense of loss over their empty lives. That human recognition gives the movie emotional depth, though it does not turn their violent intentions into anything commendable.

The movie’s worldview aligns with the truth that violence and false promises destroy lives. It departs from a biblical view by addressing the men’s emptiness and misguided heroism without presenting the gospel or redemption through Christ. Scripture warns against the way that “seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12).

Four Lions is daring, hilarious, and more emotionally serious than its absurd premise suggests. But its extensive profanity and strong comic violence make it unsuitable for children and young teens. For discerning adults who can handle those concerns, WORTH THE TRIP — ADULTS ONLY. For everyone else, begin with.