Short Summary: The Prophecy and the Prince Before kings and empires knew his name, a tyrannical ruler sought to erase a baby boy destined to change the world. Zero A.D. is a cinematic epic that tells the untold origin of this conflict, focusing on the dark and often-overlooked events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. As a ruthless prince, son of the murderous King Herod, seeks to crush a prophecy that threatens his father’s rule, an unlikely mother is forced into the center of a battle between power and destiny. The film is a thrilling and dramatic retelling of the Biblical tale of the Slaughter of the Innocents.
Theatrical Release: A Holiday Epic Zero A.D. is scheduled for a wide theatrical release on December 19, 2025. It will be going up against major blockbusters like James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash and Paramount’s The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.
Detailed Summary: A Mother on the Run
-
The film, originally titled Bethlehem, is a biblical drama that focuses on the birth of Jesus Christ, but with a unique and suspenseful twist. It centers on Mary, a young mother who, with her newborn son, flees from the murderous King Herod and his forces.
-
King Herod, played by Jim Caviezel, is portrayed as a brutal ruler who fears a prophecy of a new king and orders the death of all newborn children in an effort to eliminate the threat.
-
The film introduces a new layer of drama by focusing on Antipater, the son of King Herod, played by Sam Worthington. Antipater is a ruthless prince who is tasked with hunting down the baby who is prophesied to be the Messiah.
-
The film becomes an epic cat-and-mouse chase, as Mary and Joseph struggle to protect their child from the political and military forces who seek to kill him. The story is a dramatic and emotional journey of faith, courage, and survival against all odds.
Director’s Vision: From Faith to Fear
-
Alejandro Monteverde’s vision for Zero A.D. was to create a religious epic that feels more like a modern-day thriller than a traditional biblical story. Monteverde, the director of the surprise hit Sound of Freedom, is known for his ability to craft character-driven narratives with a sense of urgency.
-
Monteverde, working with faith-based production company Angel Studios, intended to tell a story that is not just about the birth of a savior, but about the forces of darkness that sought to extinguish the light. The film is meant to be a dark and dramatic look at a part of the Biblical story that is often glossed over.
-
The director’s approach was to give a classic religious story a dark and gritty aesthetic. He wanted to make a film that would appeal to a wider audience, including those who are not typically drawn to religious films, by using a cinematic style that is more in line with a psychological or action thriller.
-
The film, which shot in Morocco in November 2024, is produced by Angel Studios, a company known for its use of “Angel Guild” funding and for creating films that are meant to be a “revolution” in faith-based cinema.
Themes: Power, Destiny, and Faith
-
The Battle Between Good and Evil: A central theme is the classic battle between good and evil. The film pits a ruthless king and his son, who are driven by a fear of losing power, against a young mother, who is driven by her love and faith in her child.
-
Prophecy and Destiny: The film explores the theme of prophecy and the idea that certain events are fated to happen. King Herod’s desperate attempt to crush the prophecy that a new king will be born is at the core of the film’s conflict.
-
The Resilience of Faith: The film is a powerful story about the strength of faith in the face of fear and persecution. Mary and Joseph’s journey is a testament to the idea that faith can be a powerful source of courage and resilience.
-
The Origin of a Revolution: The film’s tagline, “the untold origin of a revolution,” suggests a theme of rebellion and a desire to challenge the status quo. The birth of a single child ignites a “prophetic war” that will ultimately lead to a major shift in the balance of power.
Key Success Factors: A Strong Director and a Star-Studded Cast
-
A Director with a Track Record: Alejandro Monteverde, the director of Sound of Freedom, is a major success factor. His previous film was a box office phenomenon, and his involvement in Zero A.D. is expected to draw a large audience.
-
A Stellar Cast: The film boasts an impressive cast, including Sam Worthington, Ben Mendelsohn, Gael García Bernal, and Jim Caviezel as King Herod. This star power, combined with the director’s track record, is a key reason for the film’s high anticipation.
-
A Fresh Take on a Classic Story: The film’s unique approach to the Nativity story, which frames it as a suspenseful thriller, is a major success factor. It offers a new perspective on a well-known story that is likely to intrigue a wider audience.
Reviews: Positive Early Buzz
-
TheWrap: This site highlighted an “unrecognizable” Jim Caviezel as King Herod and praised the film as “the kind of old fashioned religious epic that used to be a regular part of Hollywood’s output but has dwindled in recent decades.”
-
Angel Studios: The official teaser trailer has garnered a positive response from fans, with many people expressing their excitement for a film that is both a religious epic and a dark, dramatic thriller.
Overall Summary: The early buzz for Zero A.D. is overwhelmingly positive, with people expressing excitement for the film’s unique take on the Nativity story, its star-studded cast, and the involvement of the director of Sound of Freedom.
Release date on streaming: TBA
Why to watch this movie: A New Spin on a Timeless Tale
-
A Religious Epic with a Thriller Twist: If you’re looking for a biblical film that is more suspenseful and dramatic than a typical Sunday school story, this film is a great watch.
-
A Stellar Cast: The film’s cast, which includes Sam Worthington, Ben Mendelsohn, and Jim Caviezel, is a major reason to see it. Their performances are expected to be a highlight.
-
A Director with a Proven Track Record: Alejandro Monteverde’s involvement is a major draw. His previous film, Sound of Freedom, was a massive success, and his unique style is expected to bring a fresh perspective to this classic story.
Movie Trend: The Resurgence of the Faith-Based Epic Zero A.D. is a prime example of the trend of faith-based epics making a comeback in mainstream cinema. These films, often produced by companies like Angel Studios, are using high production values, well-known actors, and a more cinematic style to appeal to a wider audience.
Social Trend: The Search for Meaning in a Troubled World The film taps into the social trend of a growing search for meaning and purpose in a world that can often feel chaotic and overwhelming. The film’s themes of faith, destiny, and the battle between good and evil are highly relevant to a modern audience that is looking for stories of hope and resilience.
Final Verdict: A Highly Anticipated and Unique Biblical Epic Zero A.D. is a highly anticipated film that promises to be a unique and powerful take on a classic biblical story. With a star-studded cast, a proven director, and a suspenseful, dramatic narrative, the film is poised to be a major success. It is a film that will likely appeal to both religious and secular audiences, and its fresh perspective on the Nativity story makes it a highly recommended and thought-provoking watch.