That faith-based label cuts both ways.
The phrase was initially fine for reaching Christian consumers. It later suggested small budgets, weak acting and stories that preached to the theatrical choir.
The genre has grown in recent years, expanding to horror (“Nefarious“), comedy (“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever“) and, now, anti-communist dramas.
“Confession,” written by Ben Shapiro, follows a broken professor hauled before Soviet officials to “out” an ex-colleague. It’s brainy and raw, making the most of its limited setting to tell a grim tale of faith and endurance.
Rob Lowe stars as Alexei, a former literature professor arrested by Soviet goons without explanation. He’s brought before Vladimir (James Franco), a government toady who once studied under the professor.
Vladimir insists Alexei squeal on a holy man who allegedly distributed anti-Communist pamphlets. Alexei refuses, telling his former student that he knows nothing about the pamphlets or the priest.
Vee haf wayz of making you tawk, of course, especially for guests at the infamous Lubyanka Prison circa 1938.
Vladimir and Alexei have a shared history and mutual respect, but Vladimir will show his old professor no mercy if he doesn’t do as told.
Except Alexei refuses to cooperate at first, even when faced with punishments severe enough to break most men.
“Confession” is set within the prison’s cold, faceless walls, which brings to mind a theater presentation captured for the screen. That doesn’t give director Václav Marhoul (“The Painted Bird”) much to work with, but his camera makes the most of the severe setting.
Stark close-ups. Intriguing camera angles. Purposeful dances of light and dark. “Confession” never feels claustrophobic or stale, creatively speaking.
It helps that Lowe and Franco make a dynamite duo, confidently steering this stark two-hander. Lowe inexplicably gets the film’s only Russian accent, albeit a modest one. That curious decision doesn’t distract from the big picture.
Their intellectual battles play out like an academic food fight, with plenty of literary references for the book nerd in your life. Shapiro leavens the dialogue with sharply observed details and bittersweet notes.
It’s stagey but smart, an impressive blend that papers over the film’s considerable running time.
“Confession” has a surprise or two up its sleeve, reveals that bloom before that running time tests our patience. Most, save a third-act twist that feels overcooked, prove Shapiro’s instincts are mature for a new screenwriter.
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Some dialogue reeks of a modern lens trained on history, like the phrase, “the opiate of the masses” dropped into casual conversation. Twice.
Otherwise, this is thoughtful storytelling that gives space to both sides of the ideological divide. The horrors of the Communist state are never in doubt.
Nor should they be.
It’s impossible to watch “Confession” and not draw parallels to a certain three-letter group on the rise stateside. Or, more importantly, why Hollywood won’t tell similar stories for today’s audience.
Here’s betting no traditional studio would touch “Confession.” Shameful.
Rob Lowe and James Franco will star in “Confession,” a historical drama written by Ben Shapiro for The Daily Wire. | By Margaret Darby https://t.co/dwbzbOdOGX
— Deseret News (@Deseret) October 14, 2026
The supporting players give the film additional gravitas. Nick Nolte uses that sandpaper voice for a harrowing tale from beyond the prison’s walls. Jennifer Jason Leigh snags a meaty sequence to convince Alexei he’s choosing the wrong path.
Lowe proved a nimble comic presence on “Parks & Recreation,” but he’s hardly considered a dramatic heavyweight. Too pretty. Too commercial. Too Bratty.
He pushes past that brand as an alcoholic professor tormented by regret. Maybe he’s ready for a career reinvention?
“Confession’s’ spiritual component mustn’t be shared, but it’s expertly threaded into Alexei’s fight for more than just survival. This isn’t a spiritual coat of paint slathered over a Soviet-era drama.
Shapiro may not have a rap future, but his screenwriting debut suggests a significant side hustle awaits.
HiT or Miss: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Genre: Drama/faith-based
Runtime: 2 hours, 10 minutes
Where to Watch: Debuting Nov. 11 in select theaters/Streaming on Daily Wire+
Family Friendly? NR (Torture sequences, mature themes, violent situations, modest blood)