Ridley Scott’s 2014 Ridley Scott biblical epic, Exodus: Gods and Kings, will be available for streaming on Starz beginning December 1, sparking new attention for a film that generated significant debate during its initial release. Exodus: Gods and Kings, which stars Christian Bale and Joel Edgerton as Moses and Ramses, aims to reimagine the famous biblical narrative but faced controversies and mixed reactions regarding its portrayal of historical events and casting choices.
Exodus: Gods and Kings Joins the Starz Library
The addition of Exodus: Gods and Kings to the Starz streaming platform gives audiences the chance to revisit Ridley Scott’s interpretation of the story of Moses. The film, which also features actors Ben Kingsley and Guy Pearce in supporting roles, takes audiences through the life of Moses from his upbringing alongside Ramses, the future pharaoh, to his exile in the desert, and ultimately, his pivotal return to challenge Ramses and demand freedom for the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. Christian Bale takes on the central role of Moses, while Joel Edgerton portrays Ramses, with Margaret Qualley and Josh Brolin starring in Scott’s upcoming production The Dog Stars, further expanding the filmmaker’s cinematic universe.
Exodus: Gods and Kings was met with widespread discussion over its casting and perceived departures from the historical and biblical material. Many critics and viewers debated its portrayal of key historical figures and the authenticity of its representation of ancient Egyptian society.
Critical Response and Audience Reception
The response to Exodus: Gods and Kings was notably divided, drawing intense opinions from critics as well as general audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a critic score of 29% and an audience score of 35%. The consensus from reviewers reads:
“While sporadically stirring, and suitably epic in its ambitions, Exodus: Gods and Kings can’t quite live up to its classic source material.”
This response highlights the conflicted nature of the film’s reception, pointing to its ambitious scope but also its struggle to fully capture the impact of the biblical account it depicts. These reactions reflect a broader conversation surrounding the challenges of adapting iconic religious stories for the screen.
Story Overview: Moses and Ramses’ Journey
The narrative of Exodus: Gods and Kings is rooted in the complex relationship between Moses and Ramses as they move from brotherhood to adversaries. The official synopsis describes their journey:
“Egyptian Princes Moses (Christian Bale) and Ramses (Joel Edgerton) are raised together as brothers. When Ramses becomes pharaoh, Moses is his most-trusted adviser. However Moses soon discovers his Hebrew parentage, and Ramses banishes him to the desert — often a death sentence. But God has a mission for Moses: Free the Israelites from slavery. Moses returns from exile and demands that Ramses let his people go, but the arrogant ruler is unmoved, leading to a battle of divine wills.”
This storyline captures the central dramatic conflict between Moses and Ramses, weaving together personal transformations and the fate of an entire people, and continues to be a focal point for discussion regarding Scott’s interpretation.
Box Office Performance
When it comes to financial results, Exodus: Gods and Kings did not rank among Ridley Scott’s most lucrative releases, despite its significant production budget estimated at $140 million. The film’s worldwide box office earnings reached $268 million, with $65 million earned in the United States and the remaining $264 million from international markets. Despite its strong debut as the highest-grossing film during its opening weekend in December 2014, Exodus: Gods and Kings quickly saw a drop in its domestic ranking, moving from first place to fourth in its second weekend out.
What the Future Holds for Ridley Scott and His Works
With Ridley Scott continuing to produce new films, including the forthcoming The Dog Stars featuring Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, and Guy Pearce, interest in his earlier works like Exodus: Gods and Kings is likely to be renewed as it becomes available to a fresh streaming audience. The film’s presence on Starz offers an opportunity for new critique and appreciation—and may rekindle discussions about historical narratives, cultural representation, and Scott’s filmography. Audiences can revisit the story of Moses and Ramses this December, reflecting on its place within the ongoing conversation about cinematic retellings of epic religious tales.
