I Was a Stranger (Angel Studios): A Christian Review – Why This Powerful Refugee Story Challenges Us to Live Out Matthew 25 Right Now
- Beto Gudino
- Jan 12
- 4 min read
A Movie That Hits Close to Home: What “I Was a Stranger” Teaches Us About Compassion, Hope, and Loving Our Neighbor in a Broken World
Hey family! Beto here, with Mili right beside me. We just walked out of the theater after seeing I Was a Stranger from Angel Studios (wide release January 9, 2026), and honestly… our hearts are still racing. This film isn’t light or easy—it’s raw, intense, and deeply moving. But it left us inspired, challenged, and ready to take real steps in our faith.
If you’re wondering whether to see it, or how it connects to Scripture, we’re breaking it down here. No major spoilers—just honest thoughts from two people who felt every heartbeat of this story.
If the audio starts in Spanish, just click the gear icon (bottom right of the video) → select "Audio track" → choose English. It switches instantly!
What Is “I Was a Stranger” About? (No Spoilers)
The story centers on a Syrian doctor forced to flee war-torn Aleppo with her young daughter. In one desperate night crossing the Mediterranean, their path collides with five strangers: a smuggler desperate to save his own son, a soldier haunted by his choices, a Greek coast guard captain, and others caught in the storm. What begins as a fight for survival becomes a powerful look at humanity—fear, prejudice, unexpected kindness, and the choices that define us.
Inspired by real refugee stories from the Syrian crisis, the film doesn’t preach; it shows. The cinematography pulls you in close (those tight shots make you feel the tension), the pacing keeps you on edge, and the emotions are unrelenting. It’s rated PG-13 for strong violence, graphic war images, heavy themes, some crude language, and intense distress—not for young kids. Milly had to step out during one especially tough scene because it hit her empathy so hard.
Mili: “My heart pounded the whole time. Seeing a mom fighting for her child in that chaos… it broke me. I’m super empathetic, and there were moments I couldn’t watch. But coming back in, I cried at the end because I related—I’ve felt like a ‘stranger’ too. It reminded me we’re all God’s creation, needing the same things: love, safety, hope.”
The Biblical Heart: Matthew 25 Isn’t Just Words—It’s a Call to Intentional Action
What makes this film stand out is how it echoes Matthew 25:35-40 without forcing it. Jesus says: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
We read the full passage in our podcast episode—the Judgment scene where the King separates sheep from goats based on how we treat the vulnerable. It’s not abstract theology; it’s practical. Jesus ties Himself so closely to “the least of these” that ignoring them is ignoring Him.
The movie doesn’t quote Scripture every scene, but the theme pulses through every intersection: Do we see the “stranger” as a threat or as someone bearing God’s image? Do we choose empathy over indifference? In a world where refugee and immigration issues divide us (and it hurts to see actions that sometimes go against Scripture’s call to mercy), I Was a Stranger invites us to reflect without judgment. It reminds us of the greatest commandments: love God fully, and love your neighbor as yourself—even when that neighbor looks different, speaks differently, or flees unimaginable pain.
Beto: “It made me think about how quick we are to judge. The film shows everyone has the same deep needs: family, security, a future. When anger, power, or hate take over, it destroys. But compassion—the kind Jesus lived—can change everything.”
Finding Hope in the Darkness (Because It Doesn’t End in Despair)
Yes, it’s heavy—brutal moments, an open-ended feel that mirrors real life, and no tidy Hollywood wrap-up. But the core message shines through: hope never dies. Even when everything is lost, God has purpose. People cry out to Him in desperation, and unexpected “angels” show up with kindness. We left feeling more sensitive to global suffering, more committed to prayer for mercy, and more determined to act with love.
We give it the Divine emoji all the way. This feels Spirit-led—it moves you, confronts you, and sends you out to live your faith more authentically.
Two Practical Decisions You Can Make Today (Our Challenge to You)
We don’t want to stop at feelings; we want real tactics for growth:
Choose Intentional Empathy: This week, spend 10 minutes each day praying for someone in crisis (refugees, immigrants, or anyone feeling like a “stranger” near you). Read a real story or watch a short video. Ask yourself: “How would Jesus see this person?” Start small—an open heart shifts everything.
Choose Hope-Filled Action: Pick one concrete way to “welcome the stranger”: donate to a refugee aid group, invite someone new (even if it feels awkward) to share a meal, or speak kindly online when the topic comes up. Commit for 21 days straight—consistency builds real change.
Mili: “It’s not just about politics or laws—it’s about loving like Jesus loves. God hurts when we divide, and He wants to use our hands to show His mercy.”
Is It Right for You and Your Family?
See it in theaters—the big screen makes the impact deeper, with fewer distractions. But be real: if heavy war themes or loss trigger you, pray first and go with support. For families with older teens, it can spark meaningful talks about compassion and living out faith.
Your Turn, Family
Go see it soon (it’s in theaters now). Then come back here in the comments or hit us up on
: What moved you most? Which decision will you start this week? What emoji do you give it—Divine like us? Share openly—we grow together.
You’re not alone on this journey. Step by step, with intentional faith, we can be the change the world needs. We hug you tight.
With love and hope,
Beto & Mili
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