If you’ve ever gone down a rabbit hole of faith-based cinema, you probably stumbled across a film titled Saul: The Journey to Damascus. Honestly, it's one of those movies that seems to pop up on every streaming service just when you’re looking for something historical but don’t want a three-hour Hollywood epic.
It’s a 2014 production. It stars Kyle Schmid. And yeah, it’s got John Rhys-Davies—who basically makes everything better just by being in the room.
But here’s the thing: most people come to this movie expecting a carbon copy of the Book of Acts. What they get is something a little different. It’s a drama that tries to put a human face on a guy who, frankly, started out as a pretty terrifying villain.
The "Butcher of Tarsus" and a Big-Budget Feel on a Budget
One of the first things you notice about the Saul Journey to Damascus movie is how it brands its protagonist. Before he becomes the Apostle Paul, the film refers to him as the "Butcher of Tarsus." It’s a heavy title.
The story kicks off right in the thick of the early Christian persecution. We see the stoning of Stephen, which is a brutal, defining moment. Kyle Schmid plays Saul with this intense, almost frantic zeal. You can see he truly believes he’s doing the right thing by wiping out "The Way."
It’s interesting.
👉 See also: Brokeback Mountain Gay Scene: What Most People Get Wrong
The film was directed by Mario Azzopardi and filmed in Malta. If you know anything about Malta, you know it’s basically a natural film set for anything Mediterranean or ancient. The limestone cliffs and old-world architecture give the movie a texture that punches way above its weight class, especially considering it wasn't a $100 million blockbuster.
What the Movie Gets Right (and Where it Takes a Detour)
People always argue about biblical accuracy. It’s inevitable.
In the Saul Journey to Damascus movie, the core beats are there. You have the journey, the blinding light, and the three days of darkness. But Azzopardi and his co-writer John Patus added some narrative "connective tissue" that you won't find in your Bible.
For instance, the movie introduces a dynamic between Saul and Mary Magdalene (played by Emmanuelle Vaugier). In the script, she’s part of the group he’s hunting. This adds a layer of personal tension. It makes the "forgiveness" theme feel more like a movie plot and less like a Sunday school lesson.
Some critics found the ending a bit abrupt. Honestly? It kinda is.
✨ Don't miss: British TV Show in Department Store: What Most People Get Wrong
The film was originally intended as a sort of pilot for a larger TV series. Because of that, it focuses heavily on the internal transformation rather than the decades of missionary work that followed. It’s less "The Life of Paul" and more "The Breaking of Saul."
A Cast That Actually Tries
I have to give it to the actors.
- Kyle Schmid: He doesn't just play Saul as a cardboard cutout. He’s conflicted.
- John Rhys-Davies: Playing Caiaphas, he brings that gravitas we know from Lord of the Rings and Indiana Jones.
- Callum Blue: He shows up as Addai, adding some solid supporting weight.
The performances are grounded. They don't feel like people wearing "Bible costumes" for a church play. There's real sweat and dirt involved.
Why Does This Version Matter Now?
In 2026, we’re seeing a massive resurgence in "mid-budget" faith films. This movie was ahead of the curve in some ways. It didn't try to be The Passion of the Christ, but it also didn't want to be a cheesy afternoon special.
It tackles the psychology of a fanatic.
🔗 Read more: Break It Off PinkPantheress: How a 90-Second Garage Flip Changed Everything
Think about it. Saul was a man who thought he was saving his religion by destroying others. The movie spends a lot of time in those three days of blindness. It’s a literal and metaphorical darkness. You've got a man forced to sit with his own thoughts and the realization that he might have been the villain all along.
That’s a heavy concept.
Viewing Guide: Where to Find It
If you’re looking to watch the Saul Journey to Damascus movie, you usually have a few options:
- Prime Video: It often rotates through their "Free with Ads" or "Included with Prime" sections.
- The Roku Channel: A frequent home for these kinds of historical dramas.
- Physical Media: You can still find the DVD on sites like eBay or Amazon, often for under ten bucks.
It’s a quick watch at 86 minutes. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon when you want something thoughtful but don't want to commit to a four-part miniseries.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Watch
If you decide to dive into this one, keep a few things in mind to get the most out of it.
- Compare the Narrative: Read Acts 9 before or after watching. It’s fascinating to see where the filmmakers followed the text and where they decided to add "the Mary Magdalene factor" to keep the drama high.
- Look at the Scenery: Pay attention to the Malta locations. The production design by Ino Bonello is actually pretty stellar for a film of this scale.
- Check the Pacing: Notice how the film builds toward the "vision." It’s handled with more mystery than some other versions, focusing on the sensory experience of going blind.
Basically, go in expecting a character study rather than a massive historical war movie. It’s about a man’s internal collapse and the slow, painful process of being put back together. Even if you aren't religious, the "villain-to-hero" arc is a classic piece of storytelling that this film handles with a surprising amount of heart.
Next Steps for You: Check your local streaming listings to see if it's currently on a free-tier platform like Tubi or Roku. If you enjoy Kyle Schmid's performance here, you might also want to look up his work in the series Copper or Six to see how he handles high-intensity dramatic roles.