Theology Meets Hitchcock: A Christian Film Review of "The Birds"

In this episode, Dr. Douglas Groothuis shares his first film review on Truth Tribe, reading an essay he originally published on his blog. The focus is Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 horror classic, The Birds, a suspenseful and unsettling tale of inexplicable bird attacks in a small California town.

Dr. Groothuis examines the film's haunting themes, reflecting on their theological and moral implications. From the unsettling randomness of the attacks to the symbolism of the caged lovebirds, Dr. Groothuis encourages listeners to think deeply about how creation, human dominion, and divine justice intersect — even in the unsettling world of Hitchcock’s cinema.

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🔑 Main Takeaways

• Discover the unsettling atmosphere of Hitchcock’s The Birds and why it remains a classic of suspense and horror.

• Explore how the film’s randomness and inexplicable violence challenge viewers to consider the problem of evil.

• Learn about the biblical context for human dominion over creation (Genesis 1:26–28; Psalm 8) and the call to stewardship (Exodus 20:8–11; Proverbs 12:10).

• See how Dr. Groothuis draws theological parallels — from the fallenness of creation (Romans 8:18–23) to the promise of cosmic renewal (Revelation 21–22; Isaiah 11:6–9; Hosea 2:18).

• Be challenged to approach popular culture with a thoughtful, theological lens — reflecting on God’s truth even in unexpected places.

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📖 Bible Verses Referenced

• Genesis 1:26–28 

• Psalm 8 

• Exodus 20:8–11 

• Proverbs 12:10 

• Matthew 6:26 

• Romans 8:18–23 

• Revelation 21–22 

• Isaiah 11:6–9 

• Hosea 2:18 

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🔗 Relevant Resources & Mentions

• 🎥 The Birds (1963), directed by Alfred Hitchcock

• 📘 Body Life by Ray Stedman

• 📘 How Should We Then Live? (book and video series) by Francis Schaeffer

• 🏫 Cornerstone University and Theological Seminary

• 🌐 DouglasGroothuis.com

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