Experiencing the Church Year at the Movies: Advent/Christmas | Abby Olcese

In this episode of The UpWords Podcast, host Daniel Johnson sits down with film critic and author Abby Olcese to explore how movies can deepen our spiritual rhythms throughout the church calendar. Abby shares insights from her book, Films for All Seasons: Experiencing the Church Year at the Movies, discussing how films like The Last Jedi and Paddington reflect themes of hope and joy during Advent, and how unexpected choices, such as Children of Men, illuminate Christmas. We also dive into the practice of watching films devotionally, regaining community around movies, and Abby’s top film recommendations for 2025.Key Topics:Why Abby wrote Films for All SeasonsHow to watch movies devotionally using Lectio Divina principlesAdvent themes in The Last Jedi and PaddingtonChristmas through the lens of Children of MenBuilding community around film in a streaming eraAbby’s 2025 film recommendations, including Wake Up Dead ManResources & Links:Films for All Seasons: Experiencing the Church Year at the Movies, (IVP, 2024) = https://www.ivpress.com/films-for-all-seasonsTimestamps:00:00 – Intro02:15 – Why Abby wrote Films for All Seasons08:30 – Watching movies devotionally15:45 – Advent themes: Hope & Joy (The Last Jedi, Paddington)32:10 – Christmas themes: New life in Children of Men45:00 – Regaining community around film52:30 – Abby’s 2025 film recommendations (Wake Up Dead Man)58:00 – Closing thoughtsSend us Fan MailCONNECT WITH USSubscribe to The UpWords Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and visit slbf.org/studio to learn more about our work at the intersection of faith, the academy, and the marketplace.This episode was created by the SLBF STUDIO at Upper House.Produced by Daniel Johnson and Dave ConourEdited by Dave Conour