Warning: Spoilers ahead.

I reached a major milestone in my dad status this week: my son and I went to our first movie together, “Project Hail Mary.”

And it turns out, 5-year-olds are much smarter than we give them credit for.

It was a risk taking him to a sci-fi thriller, knowing there would be some tense scenes in there, but I was impressed with how well he was able to stay focused through the slower parts, understand the basic themes of the movie, and how he really grew to love both Grace and Rocky, the human/alien duo who meet and establish a strong friendship.

“So, it sounds like the risk paid off,” you say. Well, yes, but not without a few hurdles along the way…

He got attached to Rocky. I mean, really attached. And when it looked like Rocky wasn’t going to make it, it was just too much for one little guy to bear. He began rubbing his eyes, then started taking deep breaths, trying to keep it together in a room full of strangers. I wrapped my arms around him to let him know it was going to be all right, but as he climbed up on my lap and buried his face into my chest with tears filling his eyes, he uttered phrase in between sobs that was almost became too much for me to bear.

“Dad, can we go home now? Please…”

He knew that Rocky was likely a goner, and being wise beyond his years, his instincts were correct. He didn’t need to be there to see it, didn’t need the pain to fester by watching him in that comatose state. But as I held him in my arms at that moment, a simple phrase came into my head. “Have faith,” I whispered to him. “…Have faith.”

A few moments later, Rocky’s hand started to move, signaling to Grace that indeed, his friend was alive and well. “Look,” I said to my son with as much excitement as I could express in a silent movie theater. He turned his head, and to his relief, there Rocky was, moving, talking… interacting.

Rocky had risen.

For anybody who has watched a few movies in their day and has a basic understanding of story structure, you can recognize the “all hope is lost” plot point, when things look like they’re over, only for our hero to miraculously come back to life/save the day/finally bag the babe and find true love. But I can’t blame my little dude for reacting the way he did, for it wasn’t too long ago where I found myself rubbing my eyes in the theater during “Homeward Bound,” believing Shadow was never going to climb out of the muddy ditch at the end.

But as we walked home that afternoon, I couldn’t help but think of how the disciples felt after Jesus was buried in the tomb. It’s said that John was the only one of them who witnessed His crucifixion, for the rest of them, much like my son, couldn’t bear to see their Lord suffer and die. But unlike my son, they were full-grown men. And in the midst of despair, they too had lost faith.

Faith. It’s a concept that should be easy, yet when pressed, it easily crumbles. Just think when Peter walks on water to meet Jesus but quickly sinks, to which Jesus responds, “What little faith you have.” And if I were standing in Peter’s place that day, I don’t think I would’ve fared any better.

The good news is, we have several examples of how faith comes through. David when he slayed Goliath, Daneil in the lion’s den, and most notably when Jesus showed faith by obeying his Father with the words “Thy will be done.” And in the ultimate show of love, He willingly gave up His life to save us all from our sin.

Then, three days later, he rose from the grave.

Some of the greatest stories have elements of the greatest story of all time, which is why I think my son, and many others like him have resonated with Project Hail Mary so much. Aside from the fact that it’s free of foul language and explicit content (which actually is a big deal for me these days), it has elements of what’s good, true and beautiful in life. How love and sacrifice are some of the highest virtues. Why we hold in reverence those who make the ultimate sacrifices, for that is the highest form of love somebody can give. And like Rocky showed when he was willing to sacrifice his life, not just for his friend but for both his and Grace’s planets, it’s a replication of the love that Jesus showed 2000 years ago on the cross, a love that none of us deserved but received regardless… which is why they call it love.

So, if you need a great pick me up, or if you’re in need of a good activity to do with the family this Easter weekend, I would highly recommend seeing Project Hail Mary. And if you’re a dad trying to find a way to relate the Easter story to your son, it’s the perfect complement to the season.

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-Zack