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The whereabouts of God are uncertain, and two fallen angels are on a mission to re-enter Heaven, threatening the fabric of creation itself. Only one woman, the last direct descendant of Jesus Christ, holds the key to stopping them. This isn’t the premise of a typical supernatural thriller but rather the storyline of “Dogma,” a 1999 satirical fantasy film by Kevin Smith. It’s the fourth installment in his beloved “View Askewniverse,” set in New Jersey. In this film, Alanis Morissette plays God, while Matt Damon and Ben Affleck portray the fallen angels. Linda Fiorentino stars as Bethany, the skeptical savior, assisted by the iconic stoner duo Jay and Silent Bob, played by Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith.
Lionsgate Films
With its irreverent take and ambitious narrative on the nature of faith, “Dogma” weaves a story that includes Salma Hayek as a muse who moonlights as a stripper and Alan Rickman as an angel with amusing Ken doll-like anatomy. This film stands as one of Smith’s most successful ventures both financially and in terms of notoriety. Yet, the movie also sparked significant controversy. Religious groups vehemently opposed it, leading to a memorable instance where Kevin Smith himself, incognito, joined a protest against his own movie outside a New Jersey cinema.
More than 25 years since its debut, “Dogma” resonates strongly in today’s world, portraying flawed yet humorous characters striving to do good in a seemingly godless universe. Despite this enduring appeal, the film has been frustratingly elusive for eager viewers, unavailable for streaming. However, after a long period in cinematic limbo, “Dogma” is now accessible for rental and purchase in both digital and physical formats, including 4K Ultra HD, finally catering to its devoted fanbase.
A unique gem in the fantasy genre, “Dogma” became notoriously difficult to find. It vanished from streaming and digital services, while its out-of-print DVDs and Blu-rays fetched exorbitant prices on resale markets. In a 2022 interview with The Wrap, Smith expressed frustration, claiming the rights were “held hostage,” and quipped that “My movie about angels is owned by the devil himself.”
Kevin Smith saved Dogma from the devil himself
Lionsgate Films
In a fortuitous turn of events, Smith revealed in 2024 that another studio had acquired the rights from Weinstein. This paved the way for the film’s 25th-anniversary celebration, which included a national tour featuring hosted screenings. As Smith explores the possibility of a “Dogma” sequel, audiences can now enjoy one of his finest works in digital and physical formats. Hallelujah indeed.
The devil in question? Disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein, who is currently serving a 23-year prison sentence. In 1999, Harvey and his brother Bob Weinstein, then co-heads of Miramax, personally bought the rights to “Dogma” from their own company after Disney, the owner of the studio, became uncomfortable with the film’s controversy. At a 2024 Q&A, Smith confirmed that he would “love” to make a sequel to “Dogma,” but wouldn’t work on any project related to the film as long as Weinstein was attached (via YouTube).
However, in what could be described as a movie miracle, Smith announced later in 2024 that another studio had purchased the rights from Weinstein, and the following year he celebrated the film’s 25th anniversary with a national tour of hosted theatrical screenings. Now, as Smith works on a potential “Dogma” sequel, audiences can watch one of his best films digitally or on physical media. Hallelujah.
