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"Every religion has more than one face," says Pearce's apparently Christian FBI agent, Clayton. "When I grew up, people would burn crosses in yards and call it Christianity. Me, my daddy and others from our church would go put them out."

Not only does the film balance its portrayal of differing factions within Islam, but it also includes a Christian viewpoint. Sort of. While Clayton is clearly a believer, the film spends far less time on his beliefs. Besides, his faith doesn't seem to be at the very core of his life as does Samir's. The son and grandson of Baptist ministers, Clayton was a religion major before turning to law. He confesses belief in God, but doesn't mention Christ. He is strong, moral and respectful of others' beliefs, but isn't seen praying or practicing faith as Samir does. Honestly, we know very little about his faith. Still, there are enough hints that screenwriters Jeffrey Nachmanoff and Steve Martin (yes, the comedian) could have created a great comparative character study had they focused more on these two men than on the ho-hum spy plot.

Clayton and Samir having an apparent disagreement

Using these characters, though, the film does engage in somewhat heavy-handed but nonetheless interesting conversations about the exploitation of martyrs, what faith really means, and how religions can be hijacked and twisted. Traitor also hammers home the point that both sides in any war can sound exactly the same. Both claim that in a time of war, rules don't matter and that desperate action is warranted. Both do what it takes to win. But in the middle is Samir, who is trying to stop the religious violence but clearly uncomfortable with the toll it may take on him and his soul.

Sadly, these aren't the things I thought about while leaving the theater. Instead, I was consumed with plot questions that just don't add up. Why does the terrorist cell suddenly and shockingly change their decision regarding Samir? Why doesn't Samir use his vantage point to stop a certain event—instead of merely making it less damaging? And why does Samir make a strangely desperate action at the end that is completely against everything we know about him?

With fewer questions about the reality of the story, I may have better bought into Traitor's questions about a far greater reality.

Talk About It

1. With all that you know of Samir and his faith, what do you make of the scene on the ship? Why does he make the decision he does?
2. What is going on in the final scene between Samir and Clayton? What is Samir feeling and wrestling with? How can you as a Christ follower understand his internal struggle?
3. In the course of trying to do what they believe is right, several characters make exceptions to their faith. Is it ever OK to ignore principles of one's faith to achieve a greater goal? Is it OK to break the laws to uphold them? Read 3 John 1:11,1 Peter 3:17, Hebrews 5:14 and 1 Thessalonians 5:22.

The Family Corner

Traitor is rated PG-13 for intense violent sequences, thematic material and brief language. The violence is typical for a thriller, including shooting and hand-to-hand combat. There's a scene of a boy being thrown off a bridge over a road (the impact is not seen but heard.) Several popular curse words are used, including taking the Lord's name in vain.

Photos © Copyright Overture Films

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