Christian Film ‘The Forge’ Breaks into Netflix's Top 5, Surpassing ‘Barbie’ and ‘Sing’

The movie tells the story of a young directionless man, Isaiah, who discovers purpose and faith through a discipleship program led by a wise and compassionate boss.

It stars Cameron Arnett, Aspen Kennedy, Karen Abercrombie, Priscilla Shirer, T.C. Stallings, and Benjamin Watson.

It was made by Alex and Stephen Kendrick, the same filmmakers who were behind Overcomer, War Room, and other faith-based hits.

The Kendricks hope the movie sparks a discipleship movement.  

"We pray between every film that we do," Alex Kendrick told Crosswalk Headlines, referencing the movie's theme. 

"Discipleship is different than just being a convert to the faith," he explained. "We can go through Jesus for salvation -- that's a free gift. But being a disciple [is different]. Jesus said, 'If anyone wants to be My disciple, they must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Me. In other words, there's a cost to discipleship. So we want to draw people to that."

As demonstrated in the film, the filmmakers said, discipleship involves one-on-one relationships. Jesus "poured into" his disciples, Alex Kendrick said.

"It was hard on them at times, but they bore fruit at a deeper level. And they walked more intimately with the Lord," he said. "And so we want to do that. And we hope the church wants to grow in their discipleship. And so that's really what the world needs to see."

The world, he added, needs to experience Christians practicing their faith. 

"We don't need to see more lukewarm Christians in churches," Alex Kendrick said. "We need to see people that are devoted to Jesus, that truly want to glorify and honor the Lord, and [that] walk more intimately with Him. So this movie focuses on what that could look like."

Related Article: 4 Things Families Should Know about the Latest Kendrick Brothers Movie, 'The Forge'

Photo Credit: ©Netflix 

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.