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It's hard to form an opinion about this movie really, since it's hard to say what the movie is actually trying to achieve and say. This also means that the movie is quite an unique one really, which is something that still makes this movie interesting and a good watch.

Thing I'm still confused about is if it was supposed to be Christian propaganda or one that criticizes and openly questions it. That movie does both things really, which also does make the movie more or less unpredictable, which is however also a positive thing though of course. Perhaps this was also exactly what the film-makers were aiming for; confuse its viewers so that they can openly question and think about things and get into discussions with each other. Seems to me that everybody will interpret this movie in their own way and both Christians and atheists can both get plenty out of this movie.

So really no matter how you feel about this movie, you'll still get intrigued by it. This is a great power that this movie has and the foremost reason why I actually ultimately ended up liking it, even though I didn't always understood what was going on exactly.

This is a bit of a problem with the movie. It gets a quite messy one at times and due to its storytelling, we have to take a lot of things for granted. Not everything feels- and flows naturally, which doesn't always make this the most believable movie.

But perhaps it feels a bit off and odd just because the movie is taking such an original approach and features an unique concept in it. Because of that it is hard to compare this to anything we know and are familiar with. It's just a one of a kind movie that you should also take that way. Don't think too much about its storytelling or acting, just focus on its themes instead and you'll see that this is a quite good and intriguing movie.

Christian or atheist; the movie doesn't really pick 'sides' with anyone and everyone will get something different out of this movie.

7/10

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Great atmosphere that feels very apocalyptic and melancholic. Focuses more on the influence of faith and the silence of God more than the actual rapture. Mimi Rogers gives a very good performance.

First, this movie is very sexually graphic so don't watch it with mom or dad or the kids. But I think it speaks to the idea of the loss and confusion of humanity. Sharon is representative of most human beings. A boring job, a boring life, searching for meaning.. possibly with sex and then with religion (ironic that Rogers was a scientologist). It is just something to help you get through this life. What got me about this script is the moving ending. After being disappointed so many times in life, in god, Sharon would rather be in purgatory for eternity than say she loves god. Isn't that the human way? Stubborn and self destructive. But i have to admit if had been in Sharon's place I might have had the exactly same decision. I also enjoy that they actually try to do the Rapture.. in a vey serious and haunting way. The final minutes of this movie I think will always remember.

The Rapture is one of those films that leaves the viewer thinking about the topics raised long after the end credits have rolled. Whatever your opinions on religion, the themes explored in the movie are extremely interesting, writer/director Michael Tolkin inviting discourse about the nature of God, Christianity and the Bible.

Mimi Rigers plays Sharon, a telephone operator who spices up her dull life by partaking in the swinging scene with her partner Vic (Patrick Bauchau). It is through these sexual shenanigans that she meets Randy (David Duchovny), with whom she forms a meaningful connection. At the same time, Sharon also discovers God, and decides to turn her life around, leaving the partner swapping behind and settling down with Randy.

Six years later, Sharon and Randy have a daughter named Mary, and await the Rapture, which, according to a young prophet in their religious circle, is imminent. After Randy is shot to death by a disgruntled employee, Sharon experiences strange visions that lead her and Mary to the desert where they eagerly await the sound of Gabriel's trumpets that will signal the beginning of the Apocalypse...

Will the Rapture actually happen, or are Sharon and Mary mistaken in their beliefs?

Although Tolkin ultimately depicts the Rapture as a very real event, his stance on religion remains unclear, the script raising many questions. Why does God demand that we must love him in order for us to ascend to heaven? Are all of our sins absolved if we profess our love for the Almighty? Why must we have faith in something we cannot see? Why does God make us suffer on Earth? What happens to those left behind? Tolkin doesn't provide any answers - his film exists to spark conjecture and discussion.

The Rapture is also quite a shocking film, with numerous graphic sex scenes in the first half, the brutal slaughter of several people by the shotgun-toting loony who blasts Randy, and a really disturbing moment in the desert when Sharon's love for Mary and her dedication to God forces her to take extreme action. So not for the whole family, then.

I think the unintended moral of this film may be, don't blame GOD for making stupid choices based upon erroneous assumptions. Otherwise, The Rapture is so confused in its depiction of Christianity as to render it's "message" irrelevent and greatly overpraised.

Anyone who thinks this movie somehow makes an "important" statement about so-called Christian Fundamentalism has apparently never heard of a straw man argument. These characters are purely fictional creations following the path of a contrived storyline. They espouse a cultish theology that is at best only superficially Christian. I have been a Christian for most of my life and read the Bible completely through several times. What was shown in this film was so far removed from Biblical Christianity that it left me wondering if Tolkin did this intentionally, trying to connect with the average person's hazy familiarity with Biblical prophecy, or was just too lazy to do any research. Regardless, it takes the sting out of any supposed message other than that Mimi Rogers' character needed counseling and should have chosen her spiritual leaders more wisely.

I am tempted to recommend that sincere Christians might think about watching this film just to see how we and our beliefs often look to others. I might even recommend viewing it alongside Robert Duvall's film The Apostle for contrast. I can credit Duvall that I felt like I had actually met some of the characters in his film, which is something I cannot say for The Rapture.

A haunting movie -- one that lingers in the mind (and the heart) for a long time afterwards. Mimi Rogers turns in a stunning performance as a woman trapped in a cycle of dull work and duller play, whose life is transformed twice -- first by a religious conversion, and then by coming face to face with the literal meaning of that conversion. She is incandescent in her belief, and in the movie's final scenes, takes on the epic proportions of a Job or King Lear. You may be puzzled, conflicted, or even offended by what the movie "means," but you won't be able to walk away from it untouched.

I'm here because Mark Kermode told me to watch this. I hope he's right, the poster looks a bit racy. There's an instant dark tone. Okay it's called The Rapture, but we open on an oppressive call centre scene, like something from a Cronenberg nightmare. People trapped in cubicles, muttering to themselves. One such mutterer is Sharon (Mimi Rogers) who along with Vic (Patrick Bauchau), likes to cruise the local LA bars and pick up people like Randy (David Duchovny). It's fair to say Sharon, is bored, unfulfilled. Despite jumping into bed with Randy, who's, well, randy. "Everything just seems so empty". Until she comes across some Jesus types, who talk about a coming prophet and she starts hearing about the dream. A collective vision that some more Jesus type coworkers whisper about around the water cooler. It's got that weird almost Lynchian 90s vibe. Everything a little soulless. Sparse. Bathed in an orange hue. Sharon decides she's had enough trying to find meaning in meaningless sex. She wants to find God and be saved. Randy is not convinced and Sharon finds the readjustment something of a challenge, but she does have an experience and becomes something of an evangelist. Telling people calling directory enquires that they need to be ready for God returning. It's very mysterious, especially as things get a little culty in Sharon's new circles. Soon those new circles are older as we're told it's 6 years later and Sharon together with Randy have a child, named Mary of course. They all believe the rapture is imminent. That there's a purpose, a meaning, but things get confusing for Sharon when a disgruntled working goes nuts with a shotgun in Randy's office. "Life is some kind of punishment isn't it". Rogers plays this well. She's creepy and convincing. Mary (Kimberly Cullum) too as, left alone, they camp out in the desert... waiting. It takes a little time to really dig in and you need an open mind, but this is really good. Kermode. Not wrong.

Other than the appearances of Will Patton and Mimi Rogers, this movie was a complete waste of film, time and effort. The plot was ridiculous, the dialog awful. I stumbled across this movie early on a Saturday morning as something to watch while I folded and ironed laundry. It had already started so I missed the title. Had I seen the title, I might have had a clue as to the content. Sometimes, the adage 'you can't judge a book by the cover' just doesn't hold up.

Woah! Rarely does a movie leave me speechless, but The Rapture did just that. It has a lot to say about religion, cults, and the search for meaning in our lives. I definitely don't envy the marketing team who had to try and find a way to advertise this movie to the masses. It defies description or genre altogether. Mimi Rogers is fantastic in the lead role of a woman who's desperately searching for meaning in her life and turns to religion to find it, leading her down a very dark and scary road.

A telephone operator, bored with her job and living a night-life full of wild escapades, finds Jesus, gets married and settles down, but that's just the beginning of her story. Writer-director Michael Tolkin has been both praised and criticized for this portrait of a Born Again Christian; while the movie does contain religious elements, it's not quite Fundamentalist propaganda (neither pro nor con, it stays squarely in the middle, and is sometimes more satire than drama). Much of its overall effect rests on actress Mimi Rogers' shoulders, and her lead performance is nothing short of amazing. Hurt by a limited budget and some sloppy editing which causes confusion at critical points in the story, the film isn't a major success yet it does provide for thoughtful discussion and debate, and it gives Rogers the acting role of her career. **1/2 from ****

This is one of those films that come along in a great while that both enthralls and disturbs you. Mimi Rodgers plays a woman caught up in depressing job as a directory assistance operator with her only escape, the sexual games and encounters she has with her lover. Driven to seek a better life, she is drawn into a religious cult that has her believing the Apocalypse is near. She is chosen by the group to go out to the rugged landscape and wait for a sign from God. What happens there is the remarkable and torturous journey of a woman brought to madness and questioning all that she believes in. This film haunts you long afterwards like witnessing a roadside accident. You are mesmerized by the horror of it while at the same time wanting to turn away. This film is powerful, provocative and deeply moving. A must see for serious film lovers.

Several of the cast members of this movie have noted that the budget pretty much ran out near the end. Fortunately by then you are so fascinated to find out how it will all end the shortcuts are easy to ignore. This is one you remember. There's a certain type of convert - to religion, politics, you name it - who is so sure of him or herself they just can't ever stop and question whether they've substituted an arrogant certainty where faith and humility should reside.

Seldom is this zealotry depicted in film, and if it is usually some secondary character wears the label, all the better to comment on or contrast with the actions of the main characters. Here that character is front and center. The sin of pride born of absolute certainty is Mimi Rogers real co-star. Rogers is so effective here because her zealotry is low-key. She is soft spoken and serene, a lovely woman. Only gradually do we see how deep rooted is her need to understand God in her own way and how convinced she is that she's doing it absolutely the right way.

Movies never, ever take a certain type of religious conversion all the way to such a logical conclusion. For me, that's what makes this movie such a stunner. I've always been sorry this film never got it's due in the theatrical release, but the subject matter, coming after an opening act glimpse of Rogers' empty sexual adventuring, probably made it a double whammy for timid theater owners. If it were released next week somehow I don't think it would be nearly as ignored as it was. I only made an effort to see it because Roger Ebert paid it some special attention in his review, and I'm glad I did. This movie needs a DVD release, because it definitely is an overlooked and memorable film that should prompt many a conversation about worthwhile matters of the spirit.

As I write this there is a certain amount of criticism of Clint Eastwood's "Million Dollar Baby" coming from various corners, including one film critic who claims that Hollywood dislikes religion. "The Rapture" seems to me a perfect example of a movie designed to start useful discussions about what it means to be outwardly "religious" in an "us vs. them" mindset rather than truly, inclusively spiritual. I don't recall any public commentary about this movie when it came out at all, yet I'd say it is far more the provocative of the two.

This movie had the potential to present the Bible, at least in a neutral manner, but succeeds only in demeaning Christians and making them out to be crazy, or cultists. I do appreciate the message that God will accept anyone who repents, but I wish there had been more example of Christians who are not demented. The movie does have some redeeming qualities, but they tend to be lost in the general destructiveness of the material. Mimi Rogers gave a grand performance as did David Decovney, but I spent the entire movie wondering if it was coming from a Christian perspective, or if it was just an ill conceved thriller, and in the end that question was not answered. In the beginning, I looked beyond the Christian cliché', to the possibilities.

Before my praises for The Rapture, first a scolding at New Line Cinema. SHAME, SHAME, SHAME on you for marketing the home video of this very important film as if it were a soft-core sex romp. The original artwork for the film captured its essence very well (the soundtrack on CD has the original artwork), but the VHS video box cover on the front shows Mimi Rogers looking like she had the biggest...well, you know...sexual thrill of her life. The back cover shows a shirtless David Duchovny (but with a look on his face like a deer caught in the headlights). The cover says "exploring a woman's sexual and spiritual awakening." Excuse me, but Mimi Rogers' character seems to already be well educated in sex by revealing that she likes to swing with friend Patrick Bauchau. Sure, there is some sex in the first part of the film, but the story as a whole is 95% about the spiritual part. I'd love to yell at the person who got the job of marketing that cover and say how it really is an insult to people's intelligence in general. The Current DVD cover unfortunately makes it look like a religious family film...a big mistake. Should have kept the original artwork (again, see the soundtrack CD cover for that).

NOW, for the praise. The Rapture is one of those rare films that refuses to compromise and doesn't apologize if it offends one's religious beliefs. Mimi Rogers is a telephone operator with a very unremarkable life. Even her sexual experiences with her friend seem to be boring her. She eventually overhears co-workers talking about "The Boy" and she is intrigued by the secrecy surrounding him. She eventually gets involved with this religious group and as time passes, gets married, has a daughter, and continues her religious life. Then things get a bit....bizarre. It leads to a conclusion that may anger those who are devout and get a a lot of respect from those that feel there are many things we just shouldn't settle for in our existence.

I'm not an Academy Award nut, but the fact that Mimi Rogers was overlooked for a nomination is "sacrilege"...excuse me, but in reviewing something like this film some puns are inevitable! The one scene that most everyone I know refers to specifically is the one where Mimi confesses a crime to policeman Will Patton on the side of a road. Watching her emotional pain as she cries out how she can't love God anymore tears me up every time I see it, and it leaves you in a weakened state for the rest of the film. And the rest of the film will have you in a state of amazement right through to its fade. I was so impressed by the uncompromising conclusion and while some may feel that maybe Mimi didn't really win in the end, I feel she did. I too want to know why people think God solely has us here to worship, worship, worship -- at one point Mimi even asks co-workers "Isn't that a bit selfish?" While we don't get the answers we seek in this film, at least it challenges our minds and gets us talking. I can't recall any other film that has an effect to such an extent as The Rapture.

Whether you are very serious in your religious beliefs or are open to all sides of discussion, The Rapture will unnerve, exhilarate, and leave you truly touched in some way.

A telephone operator (Mimi Rogers) living an empty, amoral life finds God and loses him again.

Director Tolkin noted that Rogers' Scientology beliefs played no bearing on her casting: "Mimi's background in Scientology played no role in my casting her, nor did I see it as a problem — we never even discussed it." Rogers added that "my own religious views didn't affect my approach to the picture at all." Although in another interview, she noted that the role was easier by way of not having a traditional view of Jesus: "I don't, for example, have a Jesus Christ definition of God ... and I have no views on heaven or hell. To me they're alien concepts. If I were a practicing Christian or a Jew, with all the hang-ups of those religions, I don't think I could have done Sharon justice." This film is fascinating, and Rogers' views do add something to the picture, whether intentional or not. hat about Duchovny? I was introduced to this film around 2000 or 2001 in the context of it being a horror film. And, you know, it is not a horror film, but does seem to have some of those elements -- there is a sense of dread about making the wrong choices. Take pride in yourself? Give in to God? Risk an eternal damnation? And now (2016) I have a philosophy background, which makes the film interesting in new ways. Nothing about it is terribly deep, but it does realistically cover the issues of religion, particularly atheism versus Christianity. What would make an atheist convert, and why would they want to? Likewise, what is the root of Christian belief; as Sharon points out, there are many religions who seem to be just fine with Jesus... so why this particular faith?

Wow. I cannot believe what I am reading here. I could never have expected such an amount of serious exposition for such a rotten film. I honestly thought that religious folks would find it insulting.

This is a classic bad movie - a laugher worthy of having friends over. A cult film about cult mentality and nothing more. The acting is terrible, the situations are outrageously unbelievable and it looks bad. It's fun to see talented actors we recognize reading stilted, embarrassing dialogue, but you can't really take any of it seriously, can you? And Rogers' wild-eyed yet vacuous character is disturbingly hilarious, but sensitive and moving??

Yeesh.

I've watched this film many times and it never loses its impact and never ceases to amaze. The pacing is absolutely perfect in the way it builds dread. It also manages to not feel dated, since the locations and scenarios always feel a bit surreal and never seem to be attempting to convey "hey, this is 199x". Mimi Rogers' performance as Sharon is the best I've ever seen her. David Duchovny does well in a role that I think was supposed to be played fairly low-key. Other supporting cast members -- particularly Patrick Bachau, James LeGros, and Will Patton -- shine in key moments. Finally, without getting into spoilers, what is most important to me is that the viewer can interpret the events of the film however they want... but for me it is 100% more scary and effective to accept that everything occurs exactly as Sharon witnesses it.

First of all, it's a great production. So much loving attention to detail in the writing and professionalism in the execution.

Which means we can get down to the message. It's a strange mess, and my impulse is to see it in the same terms that I now see the gulf between U.S. evangelical "believers" and "new" atheists. And, to me, that's water way, way, long under the bridge.

I can't see that the territory this flick explores is universal or timeless. A lot of this kind of religion--where belief and faith are rather conflated--is a sad waste of energy. The way true religion should be approached by folks looks *nothing* like *anything* in this flick. And it doesn't matter whether you see the flick as strangely accommodating evangelical "faith", or as an outright repudiation of this sort of experience as ultimately hollow. There is so, so much more to what faith can mean in a person's life than anything that this flick may be trying to aim at.

So, to me, the flick seems sorta "stuck", in a general way, in that old place where belief and faith get lumped together... man, that's old news!

Side note, tacked on: Loved Will Patton's character. It reminds me of the feeling I got watching the redemptive, angelic civic functionaries in Greg Marcks's "11:14". Now *that* is a lovely image in a narrative product: The image of a person whose heart is pure and whose need to serve/give is plainly evident. Can't get enough of that!

I don't know how anyone could possibly think this was a good movie. The acting was terrible, the plot was worse than the acting and the subject was a joke.

People are as over zealous about their beliefs as the title character, but to make a "B" movie about it is ludicrous. Can anyone honestly tell me what the point of this film was? To explain the workings of God? Whatever. To explain how crazy people can be when it comes to their religious beliefs, OK...but still the worst movie I have ever seem.

Anyone who thinks this movie was well written or acted, seriously needs to get out more often.

Since I have always been a Christian from childhood and agreeably conspire to my faith today, I am always curious about what causes others to "be saved" later in life. "The Rapture" tells this story with fascinating insights into the modern Christian perspective and what scares the public about its predictions. Mimi Rogers (in a heart-wrenching performance) plays Sharon, a telephone operator who leads a tedious and extremely boring life by day, but resorts to group sex and orgies to add excitement to her nightlife. She discovers Christianity through people pamphleting at her door and other employees in her office she never cared to talk to before. They use the imagery of a pearl to describe their experience of being saved, and Sharon longs to discover what it is about this religion that can bring fulfillment to her own life. David Duchovney, before his stint on "The X-Files," co-stars as Sharon's boyfriend and later husband she meets through her reckless "dates," and whom she induces to join her spiritual quest to find God. After their marriage and birth of their daughter, her faith is tested to intense extemes in ways I would not dare describe, but can honestly say are truly harrowing. I was surprised that, even though I am a devout Christian, I was not offended by this film, what can be seen as a blatantly sacreligious movie. I think every religious individual should see it to get a better understanding of what they conspire to, as well as how others may conceive of their faith. "The Rapture" is not a tame flick, and does not shy away from controversial discourse, but all in all, this is a rewarding picture that gets its viewers to think about their lives and what they believe in. No doubt you will be entranced. Rating: Three stars and a half.