The Counselor

The film opens with a narration by Cameron Diaz about choices and the darkness of man. We then meet The Counselor played by Michael Fassbender, in a graphic sexual encounter with his girlfriend Laura (Penélope Cruz). He then flies to meet a jeweler to buy an engagement ring for his girlfriend. The jeweler then sells him what he calls a “cautionary diamond.” That in a nutshell sums up the entire picture.

I wanted to see this film based on the trailer and the actors involved. Bad Idea! All the great actors in the world could not turn this toad of a plot into a prince. Michael Fassbender’s’s acting is strong, but not strong enough. The rest of the actors get lost in the black hole that is the storyline.

Now to the discombobulation that is the objectionable content. First, this film has more blasphemies than swear words. The Lord’s Name is taken in vain, and Jesus Christ is the blasphemy of choice for this film, with nearly 50 utterances. It also contains a number vulgarities including F***, S***, and A**. There is much graphic sexual material, including mechanophilia. The violence is horrendous, from physical violence against men and women, to showing a decapitation. I couldn’t stomach it.

There is no redeeming value to this film. With the big names involved in this flick, I expected a plot, and a beginning, middle and an end. What I got was a disjointed, mish-mash showcasing the dark depravity of man. This films shows how much we as humans need a Savior. Genesis 6:5, “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the Earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” To put it short, AVOID!

Violence: Extreme / Profanity: Extreme / Sex/Nudity: Extreme

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