Round the Decay Christian Review
Alright, so Round the Decay—it’s got that creepy vibe that hooks you right from the start. The story’s about this young woman who goes back to Newport’s Valley, where her whole engagement fell apart, but there’s something way darker hiding in the town. The kind of place that looks innocent on the surface but feels like it’s holding some heavy secrets. Interesting setup, right? But here’s the thing: as a Christian watching this, it’s not all that straightforward.
Let’s start with that tagline: “Only monsters can kill monsters.” It’s one of those lines that hits hard, right? But it also makes you think, “Wait, is this even true?” From a Christian point of view, it’s a bit… iffy. Like, sure, in the movie world, maybe evil can fight evil, but we know better. Christ is the light that drives out darkness (John 1:5)—not more darkness. But the movie leans into this whole idea that maybe fighting fire with fire is the answer, and that doesn’t exactly line up with our faith, you know?
Then there’s the horror part. Man, it’s intense. The tension is real, and they don’t shy away from the gruesome stuff. So if you’re someone who’s sensitive to blood or just doesn’t want that kind of imagery in your head, this film might get under your skin. It’s the kind of movie that makes you squirm in your seat. And, honestly, as a Christian, you might wanna think twice before diving into something that doesn’t exactly match Philippians 4:8—that whole “think about what’s pure and lovely” thing.
But here’s the kicker. Despite all the blood and darkness, the film does dig into some deep themes—like brokenness, loss, and that desperate search for redemption. The protagonist, while totally lost in her own emotional mess, kinda represents this universal craving for healing, even if the movie doesn’t quite hand you that hope on a silver platter. There’s this sense of longing for something more, something to fix all the wrongs, but the movie never quite gets to that “ah, here’s the answer” moment. And for me, as someone who believes true redemption only comes through Christ, that feels like a missed opportunity.
Rating 3/5. Why 3 stars? Well, the movie’s not bad. It pulls you in, keeps you interested, and there’s a lot of emotional weight behind it. But without a clear redemptive arc—without showing that light at the end of the tunnel—it falls short, especially if you’re looking for something that aligns with your faith. It leaves you thinking, sure, but maybe more in a “what just happened?” kinda way than in a spiritually uplifting way.
If you’re a Christian watching this, be ready to keep your guard up. It’s not going to fill your soul with warmth or offer any solid spiritual comfort. But it will get you thinking, questioning the nature of evil and how we all crave redemption, even when we don’t know how to find it. Just don’t expect a happy ending or some divine closure, because that’s not what you’re gonna get here.
