In Why Religion?, director Jenny Mackenzie presents a deeply personal and thought-provoking documentary that explores the complex, often contradictory role of faith in modern life. At the center of this intimate narrative is renowned religious scholar Elaine Pagels, who offers a profound and vulnerable perspective shaped by immense personal tragedy. The film weaves together Pagels's academic insights with the stories of diverse individuals grappling with belief, community, and meaning in a fractured world. As these subjects confront the solace and conflict found within their traditions, the documentary examines how faith can provide a framework for understanding grief, joy, and the very essence of our shared humanity. Through a lens of quiet observation and emotional honesty, the film does not seek to prove or disprove the divine, but rather asks a more fundamental question: why do we, as a species, continue to seek the sacred? This atmospheric and contemplative documentary offers a nuanced, hopeful, and ultimately human portrait of the enduring need for connection in an age of uncertainty.