The Brand New Testament

Main Plot

The Brand New Testament presents a whimsical and satirical take on the concept of divinity. The story unfolds in a world where God is depicted as a grumpy and reclusive figure living in Brussels, who spends his days tormenting humanity with arbitrary rules and suffering. His young daughter, Ea, becomes frustrated with her father's cruel nature and decides to take matters into her own hands. She escapes from their home and embarks on a mission to rewrite the rules of existence. Ea sets out to gather six new apostles, each representing different aspects of human experience. Through her journey, she introduces a new gospel that challenges the established order and encourages people to embrace their desires and dreams. The film explores themes of faith, free will, and the absurdity of life, all while blending humor and fantasy in a unique narrative.

Characters

• Pili Groyne plays Ea, the rebellious daughter of God, who escapes to Earth to write a new testament and bring hope to humanity.
• Benoît Poelvoorde plays God, a grumpy, abusive figure who lives in Brussels and controls humanity's fate through a computer until his daughter rebels against him.
• Catherine Deneuve plays Martine, a disillusioned housewife who finds new purpose and love after receiving a life-changing text message.

Ending Explained

In The Brand New Testament, the ending unfolds as a culmination of the central conflict between God and humanity. The story reveals that God is a tyrannical figure who has kept humanity in a state of suffering and ignorance. His daughter, Ea, decides to rebel against her father's oppressive rule by escaping to Earth and rewriting the rules of existence. As Ea interacts with various characters, she empowers them to embrace their true selves and confront their personal struggles. In the climax, she decides to reveal the new testament, which contains messages of love and hope, contrasting with her father's harsh decrees. This act of defiance leads to a confrontation with God, who is ultimately stripped of his power when Ea and her newfound apostles challenge his authority. The film concludes with a poignant scene where God is left powerless, and humanity is given the freedom to choose their own paths. This resolution signifies a shift from a life dictated by fear to one guided by love and individuality. The ending reinforces the film's overarching themes of rebellion, redemption, and the transformative power of compassion, leaving viewers with a sense of hope for a more liberated existence.