Spirituality Analysis (abridged class paper)

Rating: 7/10 (24 May 2016)

Alfonso Cuarón's 2006 science-fiction drama film, Children of Men, depicts a not-so distant future in which there are no recorded births across the world. This tragedy results in a chaotic dystopia atmosphere filled with people lacking faith and hope. The film both implicitly and explicitly features various references to Christian themes, imagery, and stories. If a viewer analyzes and compares the film's subtext, the person may find that the film's use of spiritual symbolism may enrich the person's appreciation for the film through its messages on hope and redemption.
The central story of Children of Men is set in 2027 United Kingdom, around eighteen years after the last recorded child birth. The film follows the character Theo as he is pulled into a mission to quietly escort a miraculously pregnant refugee woman named Kee through a dangerous region controlled by the corrupt government to a safe haven in order to assure safety of the mother and child as well as hope for the future. Throughout the film, Theo subtly undergoes a change of character as he starts off hopeless and dies with hope for mankind. A particular sequence of dialogue within the film serves as exposition that gives insight to Theo and Julian's past as well as referencing an ongoing continuous existential crisis many Christians have after facing a tragedy involving chance and faith. The conversation features the character Jasper telling Merriam and Kee his take on Theo's past by applying faith versus chance philosophy; thissequence of dialogue happens as Theo listens in nearby agreeing. Essentially, Theo represents a character that has lost or struggles with his faith, something that can be compared with many devout Christian's recurring existential crises when in doubt of their God's love. Theo is mentioned to have once been a part of protests exercising his beliefs. The death of his child led to him and his wife seeing less of each other and likely the cause of his alcoholism and separation from his wife. The film begins with him nearly hopeless for the future due to the mass infertility of women across the world. He later has a glimpse of hope when he discovers the character Kee is pregnant. This hope continues to grow and change him throughout the rest of the film as it serves as a driving force of his motivation.
The film's story may draw various allegories and references to Christian theology, such as the resistance group within the film being called "fishes," (a common Christian icon), but seems to be able to be compared more to the nativity story within the gospel of the Christian Holy Bible. The birth of Jesus, according to Christianity, is a miracle in itself as Mary, his mother was a virgin at the time of his conception and birth. "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us" (Matthew 1:23). While in a different nature, Kee's pregnancy was a miracle as well, and like Jesus' birth set in motion hope for the future. Theo's words when discovering she was pregnant was also "Jesus Christ." Kee even further references this story by jokingly telling Theo that she is a virgin. The Gospel states Mary and Joseph fled from their home and gave birth to Jesus in a manger, while King Herod sent his men to kill newborn children in search of the Messiah. This can be compared to various scenes in Children of Men, as Theo guides the refugee Kee through danger to birth her child in what appeared to be a barn or shed, which is followed by someone discovering the child and inflicting potential danger on the family. Towards the climax of the film, various soldiers see Kee holding her child and are in awe, some even bowing, and performing the Catholic tradition of crossing themselves representing trinity. While this does not mean that Kee's child necessarily represents God, but does represent faith, hope for the future, and a miracle to behold. Theo can also be compared to Jesus in some ways, or rather a Christ like figure. This can be further expressed in the ending scene in which Theo essentially dies for the child's safety, sacrificing his life for the safety of the world. Further symbolism is seen through Kee at the ending as she is rescued by the ship "Tomorrow" which will take her to a safe haven for her child. This scene can be interrupted as the "key to tomorrow" as the child may be hope for the future. While not all of the Christian allegories may be necessary to the film's central plot, some definitely add to the film's subtext.
Drawing from the Bible and other familiar icons of Christianity aids in giving the character's depth and fulfill traditional moralistic behavior. Throughout the Bible, there is a consistent message about redemption; trusting in and living for God, repenting from one's sins, and asking for forgiveness can allow the person to become redeemed. Theo's character is redeemed in a way, from turning from alcoholism and a lack of hope to a selfless person, caring less for himself, and more for others and the state of mankind. In addition to selflessness, this film seems to promote the concept of having hope, which can also be seen not only the character of Theo but within the film's overall environment. It seems that while one known remaining child may not be sufficient enough to repopulate the Earth, it still gives people hope. With these Christian symbols, allusions, and themes, viewers can draw meaning from the subtext of Children of Men to enrich their experience and appreciation in watching the film. The film on the surface is a violent science-fiction survival thriller, but upon analysis, one can find more meaning through its optimistic Christian themes of hope, redemption, and selflessness as seen through the character Theo and Kee and her child.