🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Russell Mulcahy
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Horror, Mystery, Thriller
- Release year: 1999
- Runtime (length): 1h 48min
- IMDb rating: 6.1/10 (13K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 17%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A cop with a dead kid chases a guy who’s building a Jesus action figure out of murder victims, and it’s somehow even more depressing than it sounds.
🍿 Resurrection: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The First Murder
Detectives John Prudhomme and Andrew Hollingsworth are called to a gruesome murder scene in Chicago. The victim’s arm has been severed, and a cryptic message written in blood hints at more to come. The detectives are immediately plunged into a dark and disturbing case.

A Pattern Emerges
As more bodies turn up, each missing a specific body part, Prudhomme and Hollingsworth realize they are dealing with a serial killer. The detectives discover that the victims’ names correspond to those of Jesus’ apostles. This crucial revelation points to a deeply disturbing and religiously motivated killer.

The Killer’s Goal
The detectives soon discover the killer’s horrifying objective: to reconstruct the body of Christ using the stolen body parts. Each victim is carefully chosen to fulfill a specific role in this macabre recreation. The detectives face a race against time to stop the killer before he completes his gruesome masterpiece.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- John Prudhomme (Christopher Lambert): A Cajun Chicago police detective haunted by the loss of his child, investigating a series of gruesome murders.
- Andy Hollingsworth (Leland Orser): Prudhomme’s partner, who becomes a victim of the serial killer’s macabre plan.
- Demus (Robert Joy): The meticulous and religiously driven serial killer reconstructing the body of Christ.
- Father Rousell (David Cronenberg): A priest who provides insight into the religious aspects of the case.
- Scholfield (Rick Fox): A detective working on the same case alongside Prudhomme and Hollingsworth.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- John Prudhomme: “Do you have any idea how difficult it is to get away with murder? There are fifty ways to fuck up a crime and if you can think of twenty of them, you’re a genius. So far, this guy is batting a thousand.” – Prudhomme explains the complexity of the murders, emphasizing the killer’s meticulous nature.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $10,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $0
- Worldwide Gross: $0
💥 Resurrection Reviews
Personal Review
I remember watching this late one night and being genuinely creeped out. The imagery of the reconstructed body of Christ was disturbing, but it really pulled me in. The whole movie had this dark and gritty feel and it really stuck with me for days. It might not be high art, but I found it surprisingly effective and worth a watch if you like thrillers that push the boundaries of good taste.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of dark, gritty thrillers”
- “Viewers interested in crime procedurals with religious themes”
- “Those who appreciate Christopher Lambert’s performances”
- “Audiences who enjoy suspenseful serial killer stories”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic violence and gore”
- “Disturbing thematic elements”
- “Religious themes that may be offensive to some viewers”
- “Strong language”
Professional Reviews
- ScreenRant: “While the premise is dark and intriguing, the execution leans heavily on genre tropes. Lambert delivers a brooding performance, but the film struggles to escape the shadow of ‘Se7en’. The religious overtones add a layer of complexity, making it a watchable but flawed thriller.
- Slant Magazine: “‘Resurrection’ attempts to blend crime procedural with religious horror, but the result is a muddled and predictable affair. Despite stylish visuals and a committed performance from Lambert, the film fails to offer any genuine surprises or insightful commentary. Ultimately, it’s a forgettable entry in the serial killer genre.
Audience Reactions
The film’s dark atmosphere and suspenseful plot kept me on the edge of my seat.: Many viewers appreciated the film’s gritty realism and unsettling exploration of religious fanaticism.
Overall Consensus: While derivative of ‘Se7en,’ ‘Resurrection’ offers a dark, suspenseful thriller experience with disturbing imagery, though its predictable plot and uneven performances hold it back.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The concept for ‘Resurrection’ originated from a story co-written by Christopher Lambert, allowing him to explore a character with more depth than his previous roles.”
- “Director Russell Mulcahy and Christopher Lambert, who previously collaborated on ‘Highlander’, reunited for this film, bringing their established working relationship to the project.”
- “David Cronenberg, known for directing horror and body horror films, makes a cameo appearance as Father Rousell, adding a unique touch to the movie.”
🖥️ How to Watch Resurrection?
As of October 2024, “Resurrection” is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your local listings for streaming availability and rental options.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Resurrection, you might like these similar films:
- Se7en (1995): Features a similar dark, gritty atmosphere and a serial killer who bases their murders on a specific theme (the seven deadly sins).
- The Bone Collector (1999): A quadriplegic forensic criminalist helps track down a serial killer who leaves cryptic clues at the crime scenes.
- Kiss the Girls (1997): Features a determined detective tracking a serial kidnapper and killer, with suspenseful investigation.
- Zodiac (2007): Focuses on the real-life hunt for a serial killer and the obsessive nature of those trying to solve the case.
🛒 Resurrection Related Products
- Resurrection [Blu-ray]: Experience the film in high definition, with enhanced picture and sound quality. This Blu-ray edition includes behind-the-scenes content, director’s commentary, and deleted scenes, providing a deeper look into the making of the movie.
- The Art of Serial Killer Movies: The Resurrection Edition: This illustrated guide dives deep into the aesthetics and psychology of serial killer films, with a dedicated chapter analyzing ‘Resurrection’s’ religious themes and visual style. Discover the film’s influences and its place in the broader genre landscape.
- Resurrection: The Board Game: A cooperative board game where players take on the roles of detectives racing against time to stop the serial killer. Use your wits and deduction skills to uncover clues, solve puzzles, and prevent the reconstruction of the body of Christ before Easter Sunday.
- Resurrection Inspired T-Shirt: Show your love for the film with a T-shirt featuring iconic imagery from ‘Resurrection.’ Available in various sizes and styles, made from comfortable, high-quality materials.
🎧 Soundtrack
Resurrection features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, many reviewers have noted the similarities between “Resurrection” and “Se7en,” citing shared themes of gruesome murders, religious undertones, and a dark, gritty atmosphere. Some consider “Resurrection” a derivative work, while others appreciate it as a solid thriller in its own right.
Yes, “Resurrection” contains graphic depictions of violence and gruesome imagery. The film involves the discovery of dismembered bodies and the aftermath of brutal murders. Viewer discretion is advised.
“Resurrection” was directed by Russell Mulcahy, known for directing Highlander. He brought his visually dynamic style to this thriller, though some critics found it overused.
🔥 Bonus Content
Alien Resurrection: 20 Years Later… How Does it Hold Up? – Opinion
Ever wonder if ‘Alien Resurrection’ still holds up after all these years? This video dives deep into whether the movie aged well, and honestly, their arguments are pretty convincing! Give it a watch and see if you agree.
Mechanic: Resurrection – Break Down: Action Film Analysis
Curious about what makes the action scenes in ‘Mechanic: Resurrection’ tick? This video breaks down the stunts and choreography in detail. After watching this, you will understand why Statham is a beast!
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