The Body (2001)
A provocative religious thriller in which an ancient skeleton discovered in Jerusalem may hold the power to shatter two thousand years of Christian faith.
The Body - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Body
- Release Year: 2001
- Directed by: Jonas McCord
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Mystery, Romance, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 49m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Arabic, Hebrew, English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 13, 2001 (Australia - M), December 20, 2001 (United States - PG-13), December 13, 2001 (Germany - 12), June 15, 2001 (France - U)
- Alternative Titles: Le tombeau (FR), The Body - Das geheimnisvolle Grab (DE), Тело (RU)
- Production Companies: Helkon Media, Avalanche Films, Compass Productions, Diamant Cohen Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America, Israel, Germany
The Body - Plot
An ancient skeleton has been discovered in Jerusalem in a rich man's tomb. Colouration of the wrist and leg bones indicates the cause of death was crucifiction. other signs, include a gold coin bearing the marks of Pontius Pilate and faint markings around the skull, lead authorities to suspect that these could be the bones of Jesus Christ. Politicians, clerics, religious extremists and those using terror as a means to an end, find their beliefs and identities tested while risking their lives to unearth the truth.....
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The Body - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jonas McCord
Main Cast
- Antonio Banderas
- Olivia Williams
- Jason Flemyng
- John Shrapnel
- Derek Jacobi
- Lillian Lux
- John Wood
- Makram J. Khoury
- Vernon Dobtcheff
- Ian McNeice
Writers
- Jonas McCord
Producers
- Rudy Cohen
- Galit Hakmon McCord
The Body - FAQs
What is The Body (2001) about?
The Body follows a Vatican priest sent to Jerusalem after an ancient skeleton is unearthed in a wealthy man's tomb. Evidence suggests the remains could be those of Jesus Christ. Politicians, clergy, and extremists clash as the discovery threatens to upend centuries of religious belief and ignite a geopolitical firestorm.
Could the skeleton in The Body really be Jesus?
That's the central question driving the entire film. The skeleton shows signs of crucifixion, a coin bearing Pontius Pilate's mark, and markings around the skull — all pointing to a provocative possibility. The film deliberately keeps the answer ambiguous, letting the tension between faith and evidence carry the story.
Where can you stream The Body (2001)?
You can catch The Body on fuboTV as part of a flatrate subscription. Availability can shift over time, so it's worth checking JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming and rental options in your region.
Who are the main actors in The Body?
Antonio Banderas leads the cast as Father Matt Gutierrez, the Vatican emissary sent to investigate. He's joined by Olivia Williams as archaeologist Sharon Golban, Jason Flemyng as Father Walter Winstead, and a strong supporting ensemble including Derek Jacobi, John Wood, and John Shrapnel.
Does The Body have a definitive ending?
The Body leans into ambiguity rather than neat resolution. The film is more interested in what the discovery does to people — their faith, their politics, their identities — than in delivering a clear-cut answer. Viewers looking for a definitive verdict may find the ending deliberately open to interpretation.
Is The Body based on a book or true story?
The Body is adapted from Richard Ben Sapir's 1983 novel of the same name. While the premise is fictional, it draws on real archaeological debates and the historical sensitivity surrounding religious relics in Jerusalem, giving the story a grounded, plausible tension.
Who directed The Body and who was the cinematographer?
Jonas McCord directed and wrote the screenplay. The film's striking visual atmosphere was crafted by legendary cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond, an Oscar winner known for his work on Close Encounters of the Third Kind and The Deer Hunter, lending the film a distinctive cinematic quality.
How was The Body received by critics?
Critical reception was mixed. Reviewers generally praised the film's intriguing premise and the committed performances, particularly from Banderas and Olivia Williams, but felt the screenplay didn't fully capitalize on its explosive central concept. It remains a thought-provoking watch for fans of religiously themed thrillers.
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