Dogma

Bethany Sloane works at an abortion clinic and discovers she carries a rare connection to the divine, a lineage that thrusts her into an impossible dilemma. Two exiled angels, Bartleby and Loki, hatch a plan to use a loophole that would let them return to Heaven, which would erase humanity if it succeeds. Bethany is pulled into an unlikely fight to preserve human existence, joined by an eccentric cast that includes a muse named Serendipity and a reluctant heavenly agent. The film mixes irreverent humor, theological dispute, and offbeat characters as stakes escalate and the question of faith becomes as messy as it is urgent. Kevin Smith's voice steers the satire, keeping the tone equal parts provocative and oddly tender.

Dogma was written and directed by Kevin Smith, co-created with Gabbie Asher, and released in 1999. It showcases Smith's signature sharp dialogue and pop culture as the framework for a film that mixes religious debate with broad comedy and satire.

Despite its divisive subject matter, Dogma performed moderately at the box office, drawing audiences curious about its controversy. Its commercial showing was respectable for an adult-oriented indie comedy, helping expand Kevin Smith's audience beyond his earlier cult following and attention.

Dogma sparked heated debate on religion and free speech, drawing criticism from some faith groups while winning defenders who praised its willingness to question orthodoxy. Over time it achieved a cult status among fans of Smith's View Askewniverse, and continues to be referenced in conversations about provocative religious satire regularly.

Critical response was mixed to positive, reflected in an average rating near 6.922/10 from 2726 votes, with reviewers applauding sharp performances from Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and Salma Hayek. The film tackles faith, sin, dogma and institutional hypocrisy with satirical teeth, balancing comedy with surprising emotional moments and provocative intent.