Freud's Last Session

On the brink of the Second World War, two towering figures of the 20th century, C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud, find their paths converging in a battle of intellectual giants over the existence of God. This confrontation, which is both deeply personal and philosophically profound, forms the core of a thought-provoking film that explores the lives and ideas of these two men—both of whom had a lasting impact on modern thought. The film not only portrays their intellectual duel but also delves into their personal histories, offering a nuanced portrait of each thinker. It brings together their contrasting worldviews in a unique narrative that blends past, present, and even fantasy, with the action often breaking free from the confines of Freud's study and venturing into broader landscapes of thought and imagination.

C.S. Lewis, a renowned professor of literature at Oxford and a Christian apologist, had spent much of his life as a committed atheist before converting to Christianity in his early 30s. His philosophical transformation was influenced by a deep longing for meaning, which he later expressed in works such as Mere Christianity and The Problem of Pain. Lewis’ conversion to faith was not a simple shift, but a monumental intellectual and emotional journey, one that was heavily shaped by his search for truth in the midst of an uncertain and turbulent world. His writings on religion, morality, and the human condition have had a lasting influence on both the Christian faith and the broader philosophical landscape.

On the other hand, Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, was a figure who believed in the power of human reason and the importance of scientific inquiry. Freud's worldview, rooted in materialism and atheism, led him to reject the idea of God entirely, considering it a mere product of human neurosis. Freud's analysis of religion in works like The Future of an Illusion suggested that belief in God was an illusion that helped people cope with their inner fears and insecurities. His belief in the primacy of the unconscious mind and his groundbreaking theories on human behavior were a direct challenge to traditional religious views and placed him in opposition to figures like Lewis.

The film, which unfolds in the tense years leading up to the Second World War, examines how these two men’s lives intersected both in terms of their personal struggles and their intellectual endeavors. It showcases their opposing views on religion and existence, as each man’s beliefs shape their perspectives on human nature, suffering, and the purpose of life. Lewis, with his newfound faith, seeks to understand the divine, while Freud, ever the skeptic, argues that faith in God is a crutch for the weak-minded. The film weaves in elements of fantasy and dreamlike sequences, allowing the characters to confront one another not only through dialogue but through their subconscious thoughts and reflections.

Their encounter is framed as a battle of ideas, but it is also a deeply human exploration of the fear, grief, and hope that define the human condition. The onset of war and the looming threat of global destruction add an element of urgency to their philosophical struggle, as both men grapple with the meaning of existence in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty.

In this compelling narrative, the film captures the intellectual and emotional tension between two men whose ideas continue to resonate today. Through their clash, we are offered a profound exploration of faith, reason, and the search for meaning in an increasingly fragmented world. The film invites the viewer to reflect on these timeless questions, making it a powerful meditation on the nature of belief and the mind.

Director: Matt Brown

Genre: Drama

Cast: Anna Amalie Blomeyer, Anthony Hopkins, Cara Christie, David Shields, Gary Buckley, George Andrew-Clarke, Jeremy Northam, Jodi Balfour, Liv Lisa Fries, Matthew Goode, Orla Brady, Pádraic Delaney