The Brand New Testament

The Brand New Testament (Le Tout Nouveau Testament) is a whimsical Belgian fantasy comedy directed by Jaco Van Dormael. The story unfolds in Brussels, where God is portrayed as a grumpy and controlling figure living in an ordinary apartment. His rebellious daughter, played by Pili Groyne, decides to rewrite the divine rules by revealing the exact dates of everyone’s death to the world, sparking a series of unpredictable events on Earth. Accompanied by her brother Ea, she embarks on a journey to select new apostles, aiming to reshape humanity’s destiny. The film creatively explores themes of free will, destiny, and human nature through its quirky humor and imaginative narrative, offering a fresh and visually inventive take on religious mythology.

The Brand New Testament has garnered generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an 82% approval rating, indicating favorable reception, with the consensus highlighting its originality and charm. Critics from The Guardian praised it as "a whimsical and poignant reimagining of biblical myths," awarding it four out of five stars for its inventive storytelling and visually rich style. Variety noted the film's "bold and playful narrative," but mentioned that its quirky approach might not resonate with all viewers. IMDb users rate the movie 7.1/10, reflecting an appreciation for its uniqueness and witty script, though some found its tone uneven and surreal elements occasionally distracting. Metacritic assigns a score of 70/100, suggesting generally favorable reviews; reviewers appreciated the film’s blend of dark humor and heartfelt moments but pointed out pacing issues. Overall, The Brand New Testament is celebrated for its imaginative premise and creative execution, though it may appeal more to viewers who enjoy offbeat, philosophical comedies.