Risen 2016

Set during the time of Jesus’ crucifixion, Clavius (Joseph Fiennes), a weary Roman Tribune, finds himself wandering through the Judean Desert in a state of disarray. After being welcomed by an innkeeper, he begins to recount the harrowing recent events he has witnessed.

Clavius recalls an intense battle alongside his comrades against a rival army, after which he is summoned by Pontius Pilate (Peter Firth). During their meeting, Pilate shares his grim reasoning behind the crucifixion of Yeshua (Cliff Curtis). The scene shifts to the crucifixion itself, depicting Yeshua on the cross, adorned with a crown of thorns, flanked by two thieves. The atmosphere is heavy with sorrow as soldiers and Nazarenes alike gather to witness this dreadful moment. Clavius, in a moment of authority, instructs a soldier to put an end to the thieves’ suffering, leading to a horrifying act that results in Yeshua’s body being pierced. A sudden and powerful tremor shakes the ground, leaving Clavius transfixed by the sight of Yeshua’s bloodied face and the tear that trails down.

After Yeshua is laid to rest in a stone tomb, confusion arises as news spreads that the stone seal has been removed and the body is missing. Pilate calls upon Clavius to lead an investigation into this disturbing event, urging him to track down Yeshua’s Disciples. Clavius teams up with Lucius (Tom Felton) in an effort to uncover the truth. As they begin their search, Clavius interviews various witnesses, including a blind woman and a devoted follower of Yeshua. He is later advised to find Mary Magdalene (María Botto), a woman of questionable repute, who proves elusive.

Clavius seeks answers from Apostle Bartholomew, who fervently professes his loyalty to Yeshua. The investigation leads him to the guards tasked with protecting the tomb; one admits to being inebriated but claims to have seen a blinding light and a figure emerge from within. Dismissing this as the ramblings of a drunken man, Clavius continues to search for the truth, even bringing a corpse back to Pilate that he claims could be Yeshua.

As the journey unfolds, Clavius stumbles upon a house where he encounters Bartholomew, Mary Magdalene, and the Disciples, and to his utter shock, he finds Yeshua alive, bearing the marks of his crucifixion. Yeshua’s sudden disappearance leads the others to remember his instruction to find him in Galilee. As they prepare to depart, Clavius confronts Lucius, disarming him and demanding he return to Rome.

Embarking on the journey to Galilee, Clavius joins the Disciples in their endeavors, including fishing at Yeshua’s guidance. Upon their reunion, they celebrate a bountiful catch, only to witness Yeshua’s miraculous healing of a disfigured man using a fish he provides. In quiet moments with Yeshua, Clavius expresses his burgeoning faith and belief.

Eventually, Yeshua ascends to Heaven with a magnificent display of light, promising a home for his followers. After parting ways with the Disciples, Clavius returns to Rome, where Pilate resigns to the notion that they will never see the Disciples again. Back at the innkeeper’s home, the innkeeper listens in awe to Clavius’ extraordinary tale and questions his belief. Clavius affirms his faith, revealing a profound change within himself, before continuing his journey through the expansive desert.