May December Christian Review

Todd Haynes is known for diving headfirst into murky waters, and his latest film May December seems no different. It’s a wild ride of conflicting emotions and moral dilemmas, filled with sharp writing and even sharper performances. But as a Christian, watching this film brings up a mix of feelings, from discomfort to fascination. Let’s be clear: this movie does not make it easy for believers to sit back and watch. It’s not a popcorn movie night; it’s a gut-check.

Unpacking the Story: Moral Gray Zones

So what’s the deal with May December? At its core, the film explores some seriously touchy topics—age of consent, manipulation, self-deception, and the all-too-human ability to justify even the worst behavior. The story revolves around characters who are clearly flawed, engaging in actions that raise red flags from the start. As a Christian, it’s impossible to watch without that internal moral compass spinning wildly.

The whole film feels like it’s asking us: are you entertained by this? Should you be? It’s unsettling in the way it frames deeply problematic behavior, sometimes through dark humor or melodramatic flair. This is where the film excels and falters simultaneously. It presents these larger-than-life, soap opera-like characters with such charm and complexity that you can’t help but be drawn in, even when the warning bells in your spirit are going off.

But that’s kind of the point, right? Haynes isn’t just showing us awful people doing awful things for shock value. He’s making us reckon with our own capacity to excuse wrongdoings when they’re wrapped up in stylish narratives or compelling performances. It’s a bold move, but one that should make us uncomfortable. As Christians, we’re called to pursue truth, and sometimes that means acknowledging when something is deeply off, even when it’s presented in an artful way.

Denial, Deceit, and Rationalization

There’s a thread running through the entire film that speaks to human nature’s darker tendencies. We’re really good at fooling ourselves, and May December captures this with eerie precision. The characters seem to live in a world where they can justify just about anything. Their actions—some of which involve clear moral wrongdoing, like paedophilia and manipulation—are cloaked in layers of denial. It’s uncomfortable to watch because, in many ways, it feels too real.

Think about Jeremiah 17:9, which reminds us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” That’s the essence of the film’s characters. They’ve convinced themselves that what they’re doing is fine, or at least not that bad. They manipulate reality to fit their narratives, to protect themselves from judgment or guilt. And isn’t that just so human? But here’s the catch: as Christians, we know there’s another way. We know that we’re called to repentance, not rationalization.

Haynes, though, seems content to leave his characters stuck in their self-deception. There’s no grand moment of redemption here, no clear-cut resolution. That’s where this movie and the Christian worldview part ways. While it’s honest in its portrayal of the human condition, it falls short of offering any sense of hope or grace. It leaves the messiness unresolved, which is compelling in its own way but ultimately unsatisfying from a faith-based perspective.

Entertainment vs. Conscience: Should We Be Watching This?

Now, here’s the tricky part. May December knows it’s provocative, and it plays with that tension. The film doesn’t just present moral dilemmas; it actively challenges the audience to question their own reactions. Are we being entertained by the very things we should be condemning? It’s a fascinating layer of meta-commentary that gives the film a sharp edge, but it’s also where Christians might find themselves most conflicted.

Philippians 4:8 encourages believers to focus on what is true, honorable, just, pure, and commendable. Does May December fit that description? Not really. It’s murky, uncomfortable, and often dark. But does that mean Christians should avoid it altogether? That’s the million-dollar question. There’s a place for engaging with difficult material, for wrestling with complex issues, even through the lens of art. However, we have to be discerning about how that engagement affects us.

Haynes’s film walks a tightrope. It’s aware that its characters are flawed, and it doesn’t shy away from showing the consequences of their actions. But it also seems to revel a little too much in their dysfunction. There’s a voyeuristic quality to it, a sense that we’re peeking into lives that are a mess, and somehow, that mess becomes the draw. It’s dangerous ground, especially for viewers who aren’t equipped to navigate these moral minefields with discernment.

The Power of Performance and the Seduction of Style

One of the things that makes May December so compelling is the sheer talent on display. The actors breathe life into these complicated, often despicable characters with such nuance that it’s hard not to be impressed. The performances are sharp, witty, and at times deeply unsettling. And that’s part of the film’s danger. The artistry is so well-executed that it can distract from the moral weight of the story.

As Christians, we know that art is powerful. It shapes our thoughts, our culture, and even our values. The Bible is filled with examples of storytelling that teaches moral lessons, often through flawed characters. But the difference is that biblical narratives don’t leave us in the mess—they point us toward redemption. May December, for all its stylistic brilliance, doesn’t offer that same hope. It’s content to let the characters wallow in their dysfunction, and that can be spiritually corrosive if we’re not careful.

Final Thoughts: A Thought-Provoking, but Troubling Film

There’s no doubt that May December is an impressive piece of filmmaking. The writing is sharp, the performances are outstanding, and the film engages with difficult topics in a way that few are willing to do. But from a Christian perspective, it’s a tough sell. The film doesn’t offer the kind of moral clarity or redemptive arc that aligns with a biblical worldview. Instead, it sits in the ambiguity, forcing us to confront the uncomfortable reality of human sinfulness without offering a way out.

So, should Christians watch May December? That depends. If you’re someone who appreciates complex, challenging art and can engage with it critically, there’s value in grappling with the questions this film raises. But if you’re looking for a story that aligns with the Christian message of hope, grace, and redemption, you won’t find it here.

At the end of the day, May December is a film that will leave you thinking. And maybe that’s enough for some. But for those of us who believe in the transformative power of grace, it falls short of offering the kind of resolution our souls long for.

Rating: 5/10

While it’s a fascinating exploration of moral ambiguity and self-deception, May December ultimately leaves too many loose ends to feel satisfying from a Christian perspective. It’s daring and thought-provoking, but without the hope of redemption, it’s a story that feels incomplete. Proceed with caution.