One of my constant frustrations as a writer about pop culture is that there are too many theologically interesting films and TV shows out there, and not nearly enough time to write about them all. My annual “best movies” list just scratches the surface of the many films I wish I could write essays about at length. But as it is, some of them only get a quick blurb or an honorable mention.

I want to use this newsletter to say a bit more about one film I included on my honorable mention list: Swan Song. If you have an Apple TV+ subscription, consider watching it. The dystopian sci-fi film (starring the always-excellent Mahershala Ali) is set in a future world where people with terminal illnesses can opt to reproduce a healthy version of themselves—complete with all the same memories and personalities—in order to shield their loved ones from the grief of death. Though the premise may sound implausible, the ethical questions raised are highly relevant. In a world already pondering trans-humanism and the coming metaverse, conversations about what constitutes humanity, consciousness, and “the real” are already pressing. For Christians, sci-fi movies like this—grappling with technology and metaphysical questions—are great fodder for theological discussion, not only amongst ourselves, but with our unbelieving neighbors. So much in our age of spectacle distracts people from thinking about death and the big questions. Any time a film thoughtfully invites us into those questions, it’s a good thing.