Self/Less

“Self/Less” tells the story of Damion Hale, an 80+ year old self made billionaire, and cut throat businessman, who is dying of cancer. He attempts to put things right with his estranged daughter to no avail. Fearing and feeling the weight of his own mortality, he learns of a scientific innovative procedure called shedding. This procedure has the ability to transfer his consciousness/soul into a much younger body so he can continue on with his life. After a life threatening episode, Hale (Ben Kingsley decides to undergo the shedding process. Leaving his old life/body behind, Hale wakes up in a new body played by Ryan Reynolds. There are conditions that come with his new body; he must take very special medication that reduces body withdrawals and “hallucinations,” and he cannot have contact with anyone from his old life. Things seem to going well until he misses a dose, and we soon learn the adage, if something seems to good to be true, it probably is.

Let’s start with the acting, it was executed very well. Ben Kingsley isn’t in the film very long, but his performance is compelling. Ryan Reynolds, who is not well known for his dramatic acting skills, blew me away. There was so much for him to take on as an actor, and he was on point. The supporting cast is just that, supporting a masterful plot and making it superb and authentic.

As for objectionable content, unfortunately there is a bit. There are multiple sexual scenes; there is not a lot shown, but it’s obvious what is being implied. There are a handful of blasphemous remarks, which, as usual, are completely unnecessary.

Now for the spiritual aspects, this film deals with the most important issue that we as humans face. Where will we go when we die? What comes after this life? How will people remember us? As Christians, we know first comes death and then we face judgment. What are we doing for the cause of Christ? Are we being bold in our faith, professing the truth of the Gospel?

While the film takes a humanistic view of the soul and the afterlife, and existence in general, I think this film can serve as a great launching pad to share the truth of the Gospel. Because we all must die, and, in a world that’s growing darker and darker by the day, and in a country that is moving further and further away from the truth, we have been commanded to share the Gospel.

As for a recommendation, despite the objectionable material, I found the film compelling and a great conversation starter.

Violence: Heavy / Profanity: Moderate to heavy—“Jesus” (3), OMG (3), “G*d-damn” (2), “God” (1), “good God” (1), “hell” (2), “damn” (1), f-word (1), s-word (7), a** (2), SOB (2) / Sex/Nudity: Moderate to heavy

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.