“The Prophecy III: The Ascent” (1998)

Drama

Running Time: 84 minutes

Written by: Joel Soisson and Carl Dupré

Directed by: Patrick Lussier

Featuring: Christopher Walken, Vincent Spano, Kayren Ann Butler and Brad Dourif

Gabriel: “You been with a woman, Zophael? It’s like dying… you moan, cry out. You get to a spot that has you begging for release. Once, I was an Angel of Death… now, I die every day… when I have the cash.”

Critical Commentary

In the realm of supernatural horror, few franchises have managed to consistently captivate and terrify audiences as effectively as “The Prophecy” series. The third installment in the series, “The Prophecy III: The Ascent,” directed by Patrick Lussier and released in 2000, continues the saga of angels and humans entangled in a celestial battle for power and control. As the latest chapter in this dark and ethereal universe, “The Ascent” blends elements of horror, action, and supernatural intrigue, delivering a tale that explores the consequences of divine intervention. In this review, we delve into the world of angels, demons, and humanity’s role in the grand celestial plan, unpacking the movie’s strengths and weaknesses.

Plot and Premise

“The Prophecy III: The Ascent” continues to explore the conflict between angels, some of whom have gone rogue, and their interactions with the mortal world. The story centers around the nefarious and enigmatic archangel, Gabriel, who is once again portrayed by the incomparable Christopher Walken. Gabriel’s obsession with usurping God’s power remains unwavering as he seeks to exploit a young and pure-hearted woman named Danyael, played by Kayren Butler, who is pregnant with an angel-human hybrid child.

The film’s premise is intriguing, as it delves into theological concepts like the Nephilim and the idea of an angel-human hybrid. This unique spin on the angelic mythology adds depth and a fresh perspective to the story. The premise alone promises an exciting journey, and it successfully maintains the eerie atmosphere and supernatural elements that have defined the series.

“The Ascent” tackles several thought-provoking themes, making it more than just a typical horror movie. It explores the idea of destiny and the extent to which individuals can escape or change their predetermined roles. Danyael’s character embodies this theme as she grapples with her celestial heritage and the potential for her child to become a force for good or evil.

Additionally, the film delves into questions of faith, the nature of divinity, and the consequences of challenging the divine order. These themes are presented through the various characters, each with their own complex and morally ambiguous motivations.

One of the film’s standout elements is its characters. Christopher Walken, in particular, delivers an exceptional performance as the charismatic yet malevolent Gabriel. Walken’s portrayal adds depth to the character, making Gabriel both captivating and terrifying. His monologues and mannerisms bring a surreal quality to the movie, keeping the audience engaged in the enigmatic world of angels and humans.

Danyael, played by Kayren Butler, is a compelling protagonist. Her journey from a seemingly ordinary woman to someone grappling with her celestial lineage is portrayed with authenticity. Butler’s portrayal captures the vulnerability and inner turmoil of her character, making her a relatable figure amidst the supernatural chaos.

Other notable performances include Brad Dourif as Zealot, an angel who becomes an unlikely ally, and Vincent Spano as Zophael, who serves as an antagonist with his own hidden agenda. These characters add complexity to the plot and help shape the narrative.

Visual and Cinematic Elements

The cinematography in “The Prophecy III: The Ascent” is hauntingly beautiful, with a consistent dark and moody atmosphere that suits the film’s supernatural themes. The use of shadows and low lighting creates an eerie ambiance that contributes to the movie’s overall sense of foreboding. The film’s visual effects, while not groundbreaking by today’s standards, still hold up well and enhance the supernatural elements of the story.

The action sequences are well-choreographed and provide a balance between intense combat and character development moments. These scenes add excitement and contribute to the film’s overall entertainment value.

The film’s musical score, composed by Lalo Schifrin, is a highlight. It combines orchestral and choral elements to create a haunting and ethereal atmosphere that perfectly complements the movie’s themes. The score effectively enhances the emotional impact of various scenes, from suspenseful moments to intense battles.

The film also incorporates a mix of rock and alternative tracks that reflect the late ’90s and early 2000s music scene, adding a distinct flavor to the overall experience.

The pacing of “The Prophecy III: The Ascent” is generally well-balanced, although it occasionally feels uneven due to a few subplots that don’t receive the development they deserve. Some viewers may find that the film’s nonlinear storytelling, with frequent flashbacks and shifting perspectives, adds complexity but can be slightly disorienting.

The film’s narrative is filled with twists and turns, keeping the audience engaged. However, certain plot points and character motivations could have been explored in greater detail, as they are essential to the overarching story.

The film maintains a consistent sense of dread and unease, successfully invoking the supernatural and eerie aspects of its story. The horror elements, though not overwhelmingly terrifying, are effective in creating an atmosphere of impending doom and tension. The angelic and demonic battles are visually striking and intense, providing thrills for fans of supernatural horror.

The thematic exploration of angels and their various agendas adds depth to the film’s horror, transcending mere gore or jump scares. It relies more on psychological and existential dread, making it a unique entry in the genre.

While “The Prophecy III: The Ascent” offers many strengths, it is not without its shortcomings. Some of the supporting characters, such as Danyael’s friend and the police officer, are underdeveloped, and their motivations are unclear. The film also features a few plot threads that feel disjointed, making the story somewhat convoluted at times.

The script could have delved deeper into the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters, particularly the question of the Nephilim’s role in the grand cosmic order. A more thorough exploration of these themes would have elevated the film’s depth.

Expanding upon the theological and philosophical elements of “The Prophecy III: The Ascent,” the film raises thought-provoking questions about divine intervention and human agency. It challenges the conventional notions of good and evil, blurring the lines between the angelic and the demonic, and suggesting that true morality may not reside in our preconceived notions of right and wrong. In this way, the movie goes beyond typical horror tropes, offering audiences a more cerebral experience.

The character of Gabriel, played by Christopher Walken, is central to these explorations. His motivation, a desire to usurp God’s power, creates a complex and charismatic antagonist who is not simply evil for evil’s sake. Gabriel’s actions, though often sinister, reflect his belief in a divine mission. This ambiguity adds depth to the character and challenges viewers to consider the ethics of his quest.

On the opposite side, Danyael represents humanity’s capacity for both good and evil. Her character arc explores the idea that individuals can rise above their circumstances and preordained roles, even when born into extraordinary circumstances. Her choice to embrace or reject her angelic heritage is at the heart of the film’s ethical and philosophical themes.

Furthermore, the film engages with the concept of free will and the potential for humans to defy their predestined paths. Danyael, as a pregnant Nephilim, symbolizes this defiance against celestial hierarchy. Her unborn child becomes the embodiment of choice, capable of steering the course of events in the celestial conflict.

Another point of intrigue is the film’s treatment of loyalty and betrayal. Characters such as Zealot, a previously loyal angel, and Zophael, a seemingly malevolent figure, keep the audience guessing about their true allegiances. The shifting alliances and unexpected character developments add layers to the narrative and further contribute to the philosophical complexity of the film.

The film’s frequent use of flashbacks and non-linear storytelling techniques, while occasionally disorienting, serves a purpose in highlighting the malleable nature of time and existence. This choice reinforces the idea that the celestial and human realms are intertwined, with the past, present, and future all interconnected.

The angels’ physicality and mortality in the series is also worth noting. Unlike traditional angelic portrayals, the angels in “The Prophecy” are not invulnerable beings. This fragility adds a layer of vulnerability to the celestial beings and humanizes them in a way that makes their struggles more relatable to the audience.

While “The Prophecy III: The Ascent” is a sequel and is best appreciated within the context of the previous films, it stands as a self-contained narrative that explores its own unique themes and ideas. It doesn’t rely heavily on prior knowledge of the series, making it accessible to newcomers while still providing nods to fans of the franchise.

“The Prophecy III: The Ascent” is a noteworthy installment in the franchise, offering a captivating and supernatural journey into the celestial realm. Christopher Walken’s mesmerizing performance as the enigmatic Gabriel, combined with the film’s intriguing premise, makes it a unique addition to the supernatural horror genre. The movie’s exploration of complex themes, character development, and atmospheric cinematography adds depth to the narrative.

While it may have some uneven pacing and underdeveloped subplots, “The Ascent” manages to maintain the series’ eerie atmosphere and keep audiences engaged in its world of angels, demons, and the human struggle in between. For fans of the supernatural horror genre and those intrigued by theological and philosophical themes, “The Prophecy III: The Ascent” is a dark and thrilling descent into the otherworldly.