I Am

What if you could talk to God like an old friend? Would we take His advice? The film introduces us to ten people as they break the Ten Commandments, one by one. Their lives are masterfully interwoven as the ripple effect of sin takes place.

At first, the unconventional approach of having ten main characters seems overwhelming, but I think the point is to see ourselves in their actions, thoughts and struggles. Three women: Angelica Vita (Christinna Chauncey), Alice Bordeaux (Amy Holland) and Lt. Everett (Josie Gammell) and seven men: Dr. Ortus (Greg Fisk), Jake Russell (Stefan Hajek), Lance Vita (Jay Hindle), Spenser Hamilton (Clay Randal), Aaron Rossdale (John Ward), Trevor Evans (Todd Zeile) and Selani (Gary Edward) talk to a wise advisor X (Tomas Boykin), as they are confronted with death, wealth, deception, love and honor. We watch as their actions and words carry beyond their associates to the lives of strangers.

There are very few instances one might find objectionable. Women’s cleavage is shown a few times, there are two shirtless men, one mild sexual situation and instances of chemical abuse. Reference to murder, suicide and adultery are among the intense scenes that are best left for the adult mind. The writer (John Ward) succeeds in reminding the audience of the modern relevancy of God’s Commands.

Have one God, worship no idol, respect His name, keep the Sabbath, honor your parents, do not murder, commit adultery, steal, bear false witness or covet (paraphrased, see Deuteronomy 5:7-21). Is that enough to bring us contentment? We all have a thirst that we try to quench with things of this world. We seek wealth, success, love, honor and justice, we do what we think is right and kind, but in the end, we still thirst. Jesus said,

“…whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” —John 4:14 NAB.

If we seek the eternal, our temporal focus will become clear. The film shows how far we can stray without the constant caring, guidance of God.

It has been a long time since a movie has captivated me like “I Am.” We seem stuck in a sea of predictability. It is not one character that you fall in love with or hate, but all of mankind that you hope for. The plot unveils like a mystery, trying to put the pieces together, hoping the next clue reveals the end. My only wish is for more of the story. In the end, it all comes down to two words, “I Am.”

I highly recommend this drama for adults. There were many intense situations, although presented as sin; I would still reserve theses contemplations for the adult mind and experience. This film is a great example of how an inspired message can be portrayed beautifully without an extensive budget. Its message comes close to excellent, but falls short due to lack of presenting the salvation process clearly for the unsaved. The artistic and creative blending of each character’s relationship with God and its effect on others is masterful. The conclusion is a truth we all need remember.

Violence: None / Profanity: None / Sex/Nudity: Minor

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