Attack the Block Christian Review

In the midst of a genre flooded with predictable narratives and forgettable characters, Attack the Block offers something refreshingly original. The film presents an unlikely group of London teens facing off against an alien invasion. On the surface, it might appear to be just another creature feature, but beneath its fast-paced, action-packed exterior lies a deeper story about redemption, courage, and the value of community. The film’s mix of humor, suspense, and heart resonates with Christian values, and as such, it’s well worth a closer examination.

The Block: A Place of Brokenness and Survival

From the outset, Attack the Block sets a tone of realism. The story takes place in a London housing project, where the residents—mostly young people—are living in a world shaped by poverty, violence, and distrust of authority. The characters are rough around the edges, their lives marked by hardship. The opening scenes show Moses (John Boyega) and his gang of friends engaging in a mugging, immediately establishing their position in the world. They are not heroes; they’re survivors, doing what they must to get by.

For Christians, the environment depicted in the film reflects the brokenness of the world. The block is a place where hope seems distant, and social structures have crumbled. It’s a world much like the one the Bible speaks of when describing the fallen state of humanity. Romans 3:23 reminds us that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. The characters here are deeply flawed, but they are also products of their environment, shaped by forces beyond their control. This brokenness is not hidden but is the backdrop for the transformation that will unfold.

Moses’ Journey: From Crime to Calling

At the heart of Attack the Block is Moses, a character who is tough and unyielding at first, but whose journey becomes a story of redemption. Moses leads the gang, but unlike the traditional antihero, there’s more beneath his tough exterior. While his actions are not heroic at the start, there is a sense that he is searching for something greater—a way out of the cycle of crime and violence that defines his life. His character arc is one of growth, and as the film progresses, we see him evolve from a leader of thugs to someone willing to risk everything to protect his neighborhood.

Moses’ transformation can be likened to the spiritual journeys of biblical figures like David or Paul, who were deeply flawed yet chosen by God for greater purposes. Moses doesn’t become perfect, but he learns what it means to take responsibility for those around him. His willingness to fight for his block, even when it seems impossible, is a testament to the potential for change in everyone—no matter their past.

For Christians, Moses’ evolution is a reminder that redemption is possible. We are not defined by our mistakes or the circumstances of our birth. Through grace, anyone can find a higher calling. Moses’ willingness to act, despite his flaws, is a powerful example of how God uses the most unlikely people to carry out His will.

Aliens as Metaphors: The Spiritual Battle

The alien creatures that invade the block are not just mindless threats. They represent an external evil that forces the community to confront its internal struggles. The aliens themselves are fierce, glowing predators, but in many ways, they are a reflection of the evils that plague humanity. Whether it’s fear, hatred, or systemic injustice, the creatures embody the forces that threaten to tear the community apart.

This theme of external evil mirrors the spiritual warfare described in Scripture. Ephesians 6:12 tells us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against “the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” The aliens, though physical in nature, represent the unseen battles that rage within society and the soul. The characters in Attack the Block must not only fight the creatures but also confront their own fears, prejudices, and flaws.

The film invites viewers to reflect on the broader spiritual realities that we all face. It’s a reminder that the challenges we face—whether personal or societal—are often linked to deeper spiritual issues. The film challenges the characters to rise above their circumstances and fight for something greater, just as Christians are called to engage in the spiritual battles that surround them.

Unity and Community: A Fortress of Strength

One of the most powerful themes in Attack the Block is the importance of community. Initially, the residents of the block are divided, each group focused on its own survival. Moses and his gang are at odds with the older residents, and the authorities are depicted as ineffective at best. But as the aliens begin to terrorize the block, these divisions start to fade. The characters must band together to protect what is theirs, and in doing so, they form a makeshift community, united in the face of a common threat.

For Christians, this theme resonates deeply with the teachings of Scripture. Galatians 6:2 calls believers to “carry each other’s burdens,” a command that echoes throughout the Bible. In times of trial, Christians are not meant to face their struggles alone. Attack the Block underscores this truth: it’s only by working together—by laying aside their differences—that the characters can overcome the threat before them.

The community dynamic in the film is a powerful picture of the Church. Just as the block residents come together to face the alien invasion, Christians are called to unite in times of difficulty. In the face of an overwhelming world, the strength of the Church lies in its unity and its ability to support and care for one another.

Justice and Authority: A Misunderstood Order

Another significant element of the film is the role of authority. As the alien invasion intensifies, the police arrive, but their presence only highlights how out of touch they are with the real situation on the ground. They misunderstand what’s happening, misinterpret the actions of the characters, and ultimately become irrelevant as the real work of survival falls to the residents.

For Christians, this moment raises important questions about justice and authority. While Romans 13 urges respect for governing authorities, it also reminds us that true justice comes from God alone. The police in Attack the Block are symbolic of earthly authority—often misguided, sometimes ineffective—but also necessary in their own right. The film’s portrayal challenges viewers to consider how society’s institutions often fail to understand or address the deeper issues of human life.

At the same time, Attack the Block reinforces the idea that true justice and leadership come from those who are closest to the situation—the ones who know the struggles of the community. Just as Jesus was often critical of the religious leaders of His time, Attack the Block points to the limits of authority when it is disconnected from the people it is meant to serve.

A Midnight Movie with a Message

Attack the Block might initially seem like a light-hearted, fast-paced alien thriller, but it’s much more than that. The film deftly balances humor, action, and social commentary, creating a unique experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It challenges viewers to reflect on the brokenness of society, the potential for redemption, and the power of community.

For Christian viewers, the film offers valuable lessons. It reminds us that redemption is always possible, no matter the darkness of one’s past. It underscores the importance of community and unity in times of trial. And it challenges us to think critically about the forces of evil—both in the world and in our own hearts.

Rating: 8/10

Attack the Block is a thrilling, creative, and surprisingly profound film. While it’s not explicitly a Christian film, its themes of redemption, community, and the battle against evil make it resonate deeply with Christian values. The film’s blend of humor, action, and social commentary makes it a standout, and its powerful messages about unity and personal transformation give it lasting impact. For those willing to look beyond the surface, Attack the Block offers a timely reminder of the importance of courage, compassion, and community in a world that desperately needs both.