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What exactly is going on in the Book of Revelation?

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Theresa Civantos Barber - published on 02/10/26
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The Book of Revelation is notoriously challenging to understand. A docudrama reveals its meaning as never before.

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If there’s one book of the Bible that people struggle to understand, it’s the Book of Revelation.

The Book of Revelation is notoriously challenging — thanks to its heavy use of apocalyptic, symbolic language, and non-linear, dramatic imagery. 

Written to encourage persecuted Christians, the book promises that Christ will ultimately triumph over evil. But it’s a tricky part of the Bible to understand.

If you’ve ever wondered what exactly is going on in this book — what it’s all about — you won’t want to miss a powerful film coming to the United States: The Apocalypse of St. John

From Fathom Entertainment and Caravel Films comes this unforgettable docudrama that will bring audiences on a journey through prophecy and mystery as the events of the Book of Revelation unfold before their eyes.

The Apocalypse of St. John will be playing February 15 in English, February 16 in Spanish, and again on February 17 in English. Tickets for American premiere showings may be purchased at Fathom Entertainment or at participating theatre box offices (theatre locations are subject to change).

The film’s profound theological interpretation will help viewers understand this mysterious part of the Bible like never before.

Director Simon Delacre answered questions from Aleteia about the upcoming film.

What inspired you to make this movie? 

The original inspiration came from a deep conviction that the Book of Revelation has been profoundly misunderstood. For many, it has become associated with fear, speculation, or sensationalism, when in fact it is the ultimate book of hope.

Revelation proclaims the Second Coming of Christ in glory and majesty and the definitive triumph of good over evil. I felt compelled to make a film that would help restore this book to its original meaning as it was understood by the early Church: a true prophecy announcing the final defeat of evil and the return of Christ at the consummation of history. And when one studies this prophecy seriously, it becomes clear that these events are not spoken of as something millions of years away, but as a reality that draws much nearer than most people imagine.  

How did you ensure accuracy to the biblical text? 

From the very beginning, fidelity to Scripture was non-negotiable. The film is built directly on the biblical text itself, without additions or fictional reinterpretations. Visually, I also drew inspiration from medieval sacred art, which sought to depict the visions of Revelation as faithfully and literally as possible. 

At the same time, Scripture is never read in isolation. We relied heavily on the Church’s traditional exegesis, particularly the writings of renowned Catholic scholars such as Venerable Bartholome Holzhauser, St, John Henry Newman, Father Leonardo Castellani, and Monsignor Straubinger, among others — thinkers deeply rooted in the teachings of the Early Church Fathers. 

When appropriate, the film presents these traditional teachings in light of contemporary realities, such as modern forms of persecution faced by the faithful. Every theological, narrative, and visual decision was ultimately subordinated to this biblical and doctrinal framework.  

Why is this a story that needs to be told now? 

Because we are living in a time of profound spiritual, cultural, and moral crisis. Many people sense that something is deeply wrong but do not know how to interpret what they are seeing.

Revelation speaks precisely to moments like this. It reminds us that history is not chaos, that even when evil appears to be winning, it has already been defeated, and that Christ remains Lord of history. This film does not offer escapism; it offers clarity, hope, and perspective at a moment when confusion is widespread.  

What is the most important thing you want people to know about this film? 

That this is not a film meant to frighten, but to illuminate. The Apocalypse of St. John is faithful, reverent, and unapologetically Catholic. It invites viewers to rediscover Revelation not as a book of terror, but as the consummation of God’s plan for humanity and a call to live with vigilance, faith, and hope. 

If audiences leave the theater with a deeper trust in Christ and a clearer understanding of their place in history, then the film has accomplished its mission.

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