Mother's arduous journey propelled by faith and fear in the Zero A.D. saga
Rod Barr, an American screenwriter known for his commitment to underdog narratives and transcendent themes like hope, determination, and service, is set to release his latest work, "Zero A.D.", an upcoming biblical thriller. The film, directed by Alejandro Monteverde, is scheduled for release on December 19, 2025.
"Zero A.D." marks Monteverde's third collaboration with Angel Studios. Monteverde, a Mexican-American filmmaker known for his emotionally charged and spiritually resonant storytelling, often centers his work on stories of resilience, faith, and human dignity.
The film was originally titled Bethlehem, but was later renamed to reflect its historical and spiritual setting. Set against the backdrop of the Massacre of the Innocents, "Zero A.D." follows a young Virgin Mary as she protects her child, Jesus, from King Herod. Barr's writing for the film aims to make the story more accessible and impactful.
Principal photography for "Zero A.D." took place in Morocco. The film stars Deva Cassel as Mary, with a supporting cast including Sam Worthington, Ben Mendelsohn, Gael García Bernal, and Jim Caviezel.
Barr, who graduated from Princeton with a background in English and music, is known for his ability to humanize historical and religious figures. His work is often found in faith-based and socially conscious cinema. Barr's previous works include young adult fiction and video game development. He gained recognition for writing Sound of Freedom (2023) and continued his collaboration with Alejandro Monteverde on Cabrini (2024).
Barr approaches each project with a blend of artistic intuition and rigorous craft. His writing for "Zero A.D." is marked by this same blend, as he seeks to make the story of the birth of Jesus both historically accurate and emotionally resonant.
The production company releasing the film "Zero A.D." is not specified in the available search results. However, with the talent involved and the intriguing premise, it is sure to be a film worth watching.
