HORNS (2016) Movie Review

"Let he who is without sin..."

2 Corinthians 5:10 says, "For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body." (NLT)

By Cara Buckley
The film Horns starring Daniel Radcliffe is a tricky review to justify. On the surface, you see Iggy Perrish, a man plagued with revenge denounce his faith and turn into a devil. Gifted with supernatural powers, he goes on a campaign to reveal the murderer of his childhood sweetheart and recent ex-girlfriend, Marrin Williams. It is a dark and destructive path, but the lessons he learns are invaluable.

Though innocent of murder, he learns of his many other faults and sins. Firstly, he puts Marrin on a pedistol. He views her as a flawless saint, his only possitive influence, and his saving grace. It is the sin of idolatry. Naturally, she is none of those things. Iggy learns she is instead a liar, a coward, and very prideful. Such flaws are what lead to her death the night she ends their relationship.

Romans 3:23 says, "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard." (NLT)

With the loss of his pedestal, he allows himself to fall into a state of hopelessness. He drinks, he smokes, he swears, and he incites violence. Worst of all, he denounces his faith. His unrealistic expectations of a fellow sinner leads to unnecessary disappointment in God himself. All the while, God is there waiting and watching for Iggy to return to Him.

Christ explains in the parable of the prodigal son, "“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him." (NLT)

Like Iggy, the rest of the community also idolizes Marrin. Her mysterious death causes a complete uproar, and they turn to Iggy as an easy target to demonize. They invade his privacy. They threaten him. They spread rumors and tell lies. They become so focused on him that they lose sight of themselves.

Iggy's powers reveal the hypocrisy in everyone around him. The horns draws out their darkest desires, their most sinful behaviors, and their deepest secrets. Not a soul in that community has the right to judge Iggy, because of their own sins.

It is not until Iggy learns to rely on the salvation of Christ is he restored. His priorities turn from revenge to justice. From validation to truth. From preservation to sacrifice. Only then, does he find peace.

In times where the ability to judge and condemn is so easy, let us remember this vital lesson.