Great atmosphere that feels very apocalyptic and melancholic. Focuses more on the influence of faith and the silence of God more than the actual rapture. Mimi Rogers gives a very good performance.

I saw this when it came out in 1991, and again recently, and it amazes me how many people see this as a purely pro-Christian film. I've always thought it was as much an indictment of fundamentalist Christianity, as "pro-Christian." Consider this: if it is such a pro-Christian film, why does the protagonist unapologetically refute Christianity at the end? And ask yourself: will this film really convert any non-believers? (Mimi Rogers' character begins the film empty inside, and ends the film just as empty-- that will hardly convince anyone who is looking for answers.)

The Rapture presents a simplified version of the millennial view that fundamentalist Christians believe and so fundamentalists see it as pro-Christian. Conversely, if you come to this film as an atheist or agnostic you will get all the bitter distaste religion already gives you in spades. I suspect anyone with a purely open mind (including non-fundamentalist Christians) will come away confused, and ponder the film for some time (indeed, that's how I felt the first time I saw it).

This film was the first to give me the notion that fundamentalist Christians have essentially given up on this world, and can't wait for The Rapture: Mimi and her co-believers have a bunker mentality, they gather together, listen to the young prophet, perhaps try to convert others, and are filled with joy that the world is coming to an end (are their lives that empty that they can't wait for the world to end?) I was reminded of this again recently (in 2006) when Israel attacked Hezbollah in Lebanon, and hundreds of posts appeared on Christian message boards from Christians who "felt like dancing" because they thought it was the beginning of the end. Such a small view of God. I would think God was infinite, and thus the universe were infinite, rather than revolving around one tiny planet, with everything predetermined, and the end coming like a carefully crafted stage-play, with the true believers cowering before the Lord, praying that their sinful neighbors all go to Hell.

First, this movie is very sexually graphic so don't watch it with mom or dad or the kids. But I think it speaks to the idea of the loss and confusion of humanity. Sharon is representative of most human beings. A boring job, a boring life, searching for meaning.. possibly with sex and then with religion (ironic that Rogers was a scientologist). It is just something to help you get through this life. What got me about this script is the moving ending. After being disappointed so many times in life, in god, Sharon would rather be in purgatory for eternity than say she loves god. Isn't that the human way? Stubborn and self destructive. But i have to admit if had been in Sharon's place I might have had the exactly same decision. I also enjoy that they actually try to do the Rapture.. in a vey serious and haunting way. The final minutes of this movie I think will always remember.