THE SHIFT
IN THEATRES FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023
Infinite worlds. Endless choices. One way out.
Synopsis: In this modern-day retelling of Job, Kevin Garner (Kristoffer Polaha) embarks on a journey across worlds and dimensions to reunite with Molly (Elizabeth Tabish), his true love. The narrative unfolds as a dystopian drama and sci-fi thriller, where a mysterious adversary, The Benefactor (Neal McDonough), disrupts Kevin’s reality. Faced with infinite worlds and impossible choices, Kevin must navigate through an alternate reality, resisting The Benefactor’s tempting offer of wealth and power. As survival hangs in the balance, Kevin fights to return to the familiar world he cherishes and the woman he loves.
Clever and subtle handheld camera movements pack a subconscious punch. The script keeps you on your toes from the opening shot. Writer-director Brock Heasley forces the audience to sit up and pay attention as theories swirl in their minds. Your eyes dart across the screen in fear of missing either a performance or the intricate production design. 
Neal McDonough plays The Benefactor with a slick, mesmerizing control. I wish we’d seen more of him. Sean Astin plays Kevin’s dystopian colleague and aids in his mission, Gabrielle. Astin brings his inherent charm, comic timing, and uncanny ability to connect with his fellow castmates. He is a joy to watch. Kristoffer Polala gives Kevin a grounded aura. His soothing narration feels like a warm hug. Something about his tone projects strength and calm simultaneously. He navigates the script’s nuance effortlessly. 
THE SHIFT has elements of The Matrix, Total Recall, Sliders, The Hunger Games, The Stand, and Faust. Fans of LOKI will eat this up. The narrative juxtaposition of multiple dimensions with resurrection is immensely clever. Heasley combines trauma, grief, guilt, technology, and faith with dystopian science fiction in an impressive fashion. While it leans heavily into the religious realm, the genre aspect is enough to captivate.
IN THEATRES FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023
Distributed By: Angel Studios
Release Date: December 1, 2023
Written & Directed by: Brock Heasley
Produced by: Brock Heasley, Ken Carpenter, p.g.a.
Director of Photography: Edd Lukas
Cast: Kristoffer Polaha, Neal McDonough, Sean Astin, Elizabeth Tabish, John Billingsley
Jason Marsden, Paras Patel, Rose Reid, John Walker Ross
Website: angel.com/theshift
On the heels of his beautiful script for Nebraska, writer/director Bob Nelson brings heart and levity to what might otherwise seem to be a mundane scenario. The estrangement of an alcoholic father and his young son is nothing new, but by adding a religious element to the mix, it makes for a funny and honest look into the innocence of a child’s mind. Clive Owen‘s portrayal of Walt is raw and real. You empathize with his struggle to do right by his son. Speaking of Anthony, St. Vincent prodigy Jaeden Lieberher is, once again, a star. His purity in presence and intention glow as a young boy thrust into religion by his Mother. Caught in between parents of opposite end spectrum, he is an old soul, yet is constantly discovering when it is okay to push social boundaries. Owen and Lieberher are a perfect pairing. Nelson’s script allows both actors to take the reins as the story progresses. Each character has the opportunity to emotionally care for the other in a truly lovely dynamic.
The subtlety of the film is what makes it so successful. In an era of overblown CGI fare, Bob Nelson gives us an honest to goodness family story. The Confirmation is a joy.
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