Is Hallelujah! Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2016)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2016, Hallelujah! represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Music, Family category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into In this recording, from the Christmas concerts held on historic Temple Square in Salt Lake City, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square present the story of George Frideric Handel’s life through song. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Music, Family are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "In this recording, from the Christmas concerts held on historic Temple Square in Salt Lake City, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square present the story of George Frideric Handel’s life through song. On the verge of being broke, Handel struggled to write his celebrated oratorio, Messiah. The story behind Messiah celebrates freed debtors, charitable giving, rescued children, and the Messiah's mission to save God’s children from spiritual death. With its Christ-centered focus, Hallelujah! invites listeners to feel the true meaning of Christmas. The music includes favorites such as “Do You Hear What I Hear?” performed by Osnes, “Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Angels from the Realms of Glory,” and many more, including a breathtaking rendition of “For unto Us a Child Is Born” from Handel’s Messiah, performed by the Metropolitan Opera soloists. The Christmas story, as told in the book of Luke in the New Testament, is poetically narrated by Jarvis."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The performance by Laura Osnes is nothing short of transformative, providing an emotional anchor that tethers the film's more abstract concepts to a relatable human experience. Laura Osnes captures the nuance of the script with a performance that will likely define their career for years to come.

The direction by Lee Wessman is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 81 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Hallelujah! truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Music, Family, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 9/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Hallelujah! explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2016 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Lee Wessman respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Hallelujah! is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Laura Osnes or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Hallelujah! is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.