Ridley Scott may be 77, but he’s making films with the energy and ambition of a man half his age.

His direction is masterful and with DoP Dariusz Wolski he brings an exquisite painterly detail to this epic canvas. Some of the impressionistic visuals are awe-inspiring, but Scott has by no means overlooked the more human side of this supernatural story.

Bale is in terrific form as he authentically conveys Moses’ growth into a religious legend and Edgerton offers fearless support in the role most prone to ridicule. The downside of such a formidable lead partnership is an underused supporting cast, with Weaver and Paul feeling particularly neglected.

The inevitably ‘epic’ running time drags during the first act, but as soon as Moses meets the most eerie and unsettling cinematic God in memory, you won’t be able to take your eyes off the screen.

RATING: 4/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, Sigourney Weaver, Aaron Paul, Sir Ben Kingsley, and John Turturro

DIRECTOR: Ridley Scott

WRITERS: Adam Cooper, Bill Collage, Jeffrey Caine and Steven Zallian

SYNOPSIS: The defiant leader Moses rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses, setting 600,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues.