The Ark and the Darkness (2024): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
The Ark and the Darkness is a 2024 mystery documentary directed by Ralph Strean, starring Andrew Snelling, Dr. Gabriela Haynes and Dr. John Sanford. It runs 2 hours 5 minutes and earned $2.1 million worldwide on a $500,000 budget. It holds 10% on TMDB.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 5m (125 min)
- Director
- Ralph Strean
- Genres
- Mystery , Documentary , History
- Original language
-
English
- Budget
- $500K
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Ark and the Darkness About?
The premise of The Ark and the Darkness without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
A lost city, hidden truth, and a journey into the impossible frame a photo‑realistic retelling of Noah’s Flood. Co‑produced by award‑winning Sevenfold Films and the director of *Genesis: Paradise Lost*, the film consults Answers in Genesis, Liberty University and Genesis Apologetics to depict how the flood unfolded, the role of dinosaurs, post‑flood events, and parallels to end‑times judgment.
The Ark and the Darkness Cast
Andrew Snelling leads the cast, with Dr. Gabriela Haynes and Dr. John Sanford. Directed by Ralph Strean.
- Director Ralph Strean
- Andrew Snelling as themselves
- Dr. Gabriela Haynes as themselves
- Dr. John Sanford as themselves
More from Ralph Strean
One more film directed by Ralph Strean: Genesis: Paradise Lost.
The Ark and the Darkness Reviews & Ratings
The Ark and the Darkness holds 10% on TMDB. Our Echo Score gives it 45/100, strongest in rewatch factor (50) and weakest in sensory experience (40).
The Ark and the Darkness Echo Score Breakdown
The documentary presents an ambitious attempt to reconcile biblical narratives with archaeological claims, but its execution divides viewers. While the cinematography and some expert interviews are praised, the film is criticized for biased framing, uneven pacing, and intrusive music, limiting its persuasive power and replay value. Critics with academic backgrounds note the lack of non‑biblical evidence and circular reasoning, whereas supporters appreciate its narrative drive and inspirational tone. Consequently, the overall reception remains mixed, reflecting both the film’s visual strengths and its methodological shortcomings.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 45
Artistic execution shows notable visual flair, highlighted by expansive landscape shots and careful composition that many reviewers found engaging. However, the film’s editing suffers from repetitive sequences, and the promotional framing appears overtly agenda‑driven, undermining its credibility. The net artistic impression is therefore a blend of strong imagery tempered by uneven craftsmanship.
- Character & Emotion 40
When assessing on‑screen personalities, the documentary features knowledgeable interviewees but is hampered by a narrator whose delivery is frequently described as grating and overly dramatized. The lack of diverse scholarly voices further narrows emotional resonance, resulting in a presentation that feels both preachy and disengaging for many viewers.
- Story & Flow 45
The narrative attempts to weave biblical accounts with geological evidence, yet the pacing is uneven, with lengthy expositions that disrupt momentum. Arguments often rely on circular logic, and the absence of alternative scholarly perspectives creates a one‑sided storyline that many find unconvincing, diminishing overall narrative cohesion.
- Sensory Experience 40
Sound design is dominated by a continuous dramatic score that several viewers found intrusive, while occasional CGI attempts at depicting ancient fauna receive mixed reactions regarding realism. Visual composition is occasionally compelling, yet the overall sensory experience is marred by repetitive audio cues and uneven integration of graphics, limiting immersion.
- Rewatch Factor 50
Despite its polarizing content, some viewers report a willingness to revisit the film for its compelling visual moments and the provocative claims it raises. Nonetheless, the dominant bias, repetitive soundtrack, and perceived lack of balanced evidence discourage repeated viewings for many, resulting in modest rewatch appeal.
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TMDB 10% User score
See on TMDB
The Ark and the Darkness Plot Summary
What happens in The Ark and the Darkness from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 1-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
This documentary provides an in-depth examination of the biblical account of Noah’s Ark and the global flood detailed in the Book of Genesis. By combining narration, computer-generated imagery, and interviews with various scholars, the film presents arguments rooted in flood geology and young-Earth creationism.
The film explores a wide range of topics from Genesis chapters 1 through 11, specifically analyzing the dimensions and capacity of the Ark and how animal populations could have diversified following the event. It also investigates flood traditions across different cultures, the nature of sedimentary rock formations, and the presence of polystrate trees.
Full summary
The whole story of The Ark and the Darkness, scene by scene
The Ark and the Darkness Box Office & Budget
The Ark and the Darkness grossed $2.1 million worldwide on a $500,000 budget, 4.2 times what it cost.
Worldwide gross
$2.1M
4.2× its budget
- US & Canada
- $2.1M
- Budget
- $500K
The Ark and the Darkness Trailers & Videos
The trailer of The Ark and the Darkness.
How Well Do You Know The Ark and the Darkness?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What biblical figure's Ark is the central subject of this documentary?
Seen The Ark and the Darkness?
The Ark and the Darkness FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Ark and the Darkness, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Ark and the Darkness?
The Ark and the Darkness runs 2 hours 5 minutes (125 minutes).
When was The Ark and the Darkness released?
The Ark and the Darkness was released on March 20, 2024.
Who directed The Ark and the Darkness?
The Ark and the Darkness was directed by Ralph Strean.
More films by Ralph Strean Who is in the cast of The Ark and the Darkness?
The Ark and the Darkness stars Andrew Snelling, Dr. Gabriela Haynes and Dr. John Sanford.
How much did The Ark and the Darkness make at the box office?
The Ark and the Darkness grossed $2.1 million worldwide on a budget of $500,000.
How is The Ark and the Darkness rated?
The Ark and the Darkness has 10% on TMDB.
Does The Ark and the Darkness have a post-credit scene?
No. The Ark and the Darkness has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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