The Penitent Thief – Movie Review

by Pamela Rose Williams

Recently I was offered an opportunity to review the film “The Penitent Thief” featuring Stelio Savante, Jay Giannone, Kevin Sorbo, and James Russo. The movie is based upon the book “Tale of the Pentitent Thief” by Don Willis.  I watched the film on Pure Flix which is a streaming platform that specializes in streaming faith and family-friendly media. You can begin your streaming subscription now at the following link:

            Pure Flix Streaming Subscription

I just know you are going to love what Pure Flix has to offer for Easter and just about any day. In the meantime, here is my review of “The Penitent Thief”.

Film Summary

“The Penitent Thief” is the story of the two thieves that were crucified with Christ. These are brothers – Demas, the penitent one and Jotham the one who scoffs at Jesus.

The film begins back during the childhood of the brothers who have a father that is a drunk. The boys are left with their mother, Sarah. They are left orphaned when King Herod executes all boys under the age of two in hopes of killing the infant Jesus. During the raid Demas and Jotham’s infant brother is murdered along with their mother.

Though the film uses artistic and historical license (a disclaimer that you see in the prolog of the movie), it also uses many Biblical accounts and information to fill in the blanks. As you watch the film you will be taken on the journey of these boys from childhood to adulthood and learn why they ended up on the cross next to Jesus.

A Few Things that Jumped Out at Me

When tragedy strikes a family and children are orphaned you just never know what will happen next. Actually, isn’t that true of life in general? As I watched the movie, I jotted down some notes because I knew I had to share them in my review. Here is what jumped out at me:

• Even before the movie starts, I was so encouraged to see that the producer/writer admitted to artistic and historical license. This generally means that everything you are about to view is not necessarily true. In addition, the viewer is encouraged to read more about the true story of Jesus in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
• Some history from the Bible is shared as Joseph and Mary arrive at the Inn when Jesus was about to be born. It was Demas, as a boy (the Innkeeper’s son) that offers a stable for the young couple to use. I liked how they brought the Nativity into the story with the young boys.
• More history from the Bible is revealed as King Herod gives the order to kill all Jewish children under the age of two, hoping to kill the baby Jesus.
• Barabbas is in prison with Demas and Jotham as men.
• Most of the movie shows good acting but some of it is a little hokey; like the angel that appears. He has very silly looking wings as he disappears.

Notes and Cautions

As identified at the beginning of the film it has been “MODIFIED FOR FAMILY VIEWING – The story of the two unnamed men who were crucified alongside Jesus and how they came to be beside Him on the cross that fateful day.” Even so, something to beware of is that Roman crucifixion was a brutal and violent process. In the movie some of this brutality is depicted. Also, the violence of Herod’s men invading Jewish homes may be disturbing. Finally, there is fighting and more violence as the boys get older and take up with a band of thieves. For this reason, parents may want to view the film first so they can prepare the children for viewing.

So many emotions and characteristics are shown in this film. You will experience graphic violence, jealousy, hatred, revenge, distrust, anger, cruelty, and deceit. It is good to see that throughout the movie we also see faith and forgiveness, protection, unconditional love, loyalty, mercy and grace.

Overall Recommendation

“The Penitent Thief” is a movie that shares many events and characters that we find in the Bible. In addition, the events and possible life story that was used to build the characters of Demas and Jotham (who are unnamed in the Bible) make this a great movie to help reflect upon the death of Jesus. It should even help the viewer to reflect upon the rest of the story of how Jesus was buried and rose from the dead so that we may also know eternal life.

“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” Romans 6:5-6

Disclaimer: Many thanks Pure Flix for providing this product/product information for review.  Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  Read my full DISCLOSURE POLICY.

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