Saw 21 Grams last night after putting the kids to bed. I quite enjoyed the movie. From an artistic standpoint, I thought it was very well done. Superb performances from Penn, Watts, and del Toro. I enjoyed the non-linear progression; it’s a freedom the genre easily allows unlike, say, in live theater. When combined with the acting and the hand-held camera work, the feelings of confusion, struggle, and searching are conveyed powerfully.

The theme of grace and divine sovereignty is powerfully addressed. The language and nudity is unfortunately a bit much to be used in most church settings, otherwise this film could easily be a springboard to conversation. Del Toro’s character sets up the film’s exploration early on, admonishing a teen, “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. He knows when even a single hair on your head moves.” With this in mind, the narrative unfolds, and we watch as the characters struggle to understand. Why does one live while another die? Does merit - getting what we deserve - have anything at all to do with it?

I won’t say more. Instead, I’ll give it my recommendation.