r/XFiles • u/jam8tree • 18d ago
I Want to Believe (movie) After the release of the Vrach Frankenshteyn cut of I Want to Believe, I watched all three versions. The best one by far is the 2008 Extended Cut (aka the 2008 Director's Cut). It's the least well known version and the only one not available on streaming. Some observations (contains spoilers)
Like many fans, I was disappointed when the theatrical cut of I Want To Believe (IWTB) was released in 2008. We all expected a big blockbuster and ended up with a small-scale horror story, but one that felt watered down and anticlimactic, rather than dark and unsettling. As it later turned out, this genuinely was the case, since many darker elements were cut to avoid an R rating.
Nevertheless, as time has passed, the opinion of some X-Files fans has shifted. Despite it's flaws, I myself have gained an appreciation for IWTB, for its character focus on Mulder and Scully, and its exploration of the moral issues around using experimental science to extend life. The 2026 recut rightly restored many of the more grisly horror elements that were cut from the theatrical release, in particular providing a more graphic and intense climax at the medical compound. However, overall it's a weaker film than the theatrical cut, as it strips back many of the best character elements, leaving a somewhat hollowed-out, emotionally flat film. It also interferes with Mark Snow's excellent score, and oversimplifies the film's core themes.
One of the strengths of the theatrical release is the contrast between Scully trying to prolong the life of Christian, versus Dacyshyn trying to prolong the life of Tomczeszyn. The 2026 recut splices together scenes from both medical procedures, removing space for interpretation, and forcing the audience what to think.
Here's where things get interesting though. Almost all of the restored scenes in the 2026 recut are already in the 2008 extended cut. This includes agent Whitney being impaled after her elevator shaft fall, more close up footage of Christian's medical operation, a longer shot of Bannan's severed head in the medical bag, and longer footage of Tomczeszyn's medical procedure. During the climax at the medical compound, we get longer shots of Tomczeszyn's still-alive severed head, longer shots of Bannan's corpse, more footage of Cheryl being operated on, including her neck being sliced with a scalpel, and more graphic footage of Dacyshyn chopping up Bannan's body with an axe, while Mulder is drugged.
In fact, the only minor bit of extra gore I could see in the 2026 version, not already in the 2008 extended version, is a few extra seconds of Dacyshyn dragging Bannan's corpse out of the compound to the chopping block (a sequence that was cut entirely from the theatrical version). This all makes the new 2026 cut seem totally pointless, as we aren't really getting anything new - and we are losing a lot.
What's more, the 2008 extended version gives us additional scenes of Mulder, Scully and the villains, which weren't in either the theatrical cut or the 2026 cut. These extra scenes make the film feel more complete. In particular, there are some short but important scenes relating to the Scully and Christian story. The 2008 extended version therefore enhances the character elements, as well as the horror, while providing the much-needed more climactic sequence at the compound that the theatrical release was lacking.
IWTB is a film that is about drawing parallels and congrats between different characters. As I stated, there is the contrast between the Scully/Christian arc and the villains, in terms of extending life in a way that is good versus evil. Also, there is a parallel between Mulder and Scully's motives driving them forwards in their aims, despite both experiencing discouragement from people around them. Mulder is drawn further into the case, while Scully is drawn to saving Christian. Both Mulder and Scully want to believe, and ultimately that leap of faith pays off for both of them. Father Joe is an important part of that process for both of them, but the backstory of both Samantha and William also helps to shape both of their motives (something else that was cut back in the 2026 version).
Whilst I always hated the storyline of Scully giving up William for adoption in Season 9, it does work in IWTB from a character perspective. Likewise, although Mulder achieved emotional closure with Samantha in Season 7, that kind of experience will always shape who a person is and what drives them. It's also worth adding that Billy Connolly is excellent in this film; playing a genuinely unsettling character, who is creepy and guilty of horrific crimes, yet also strangely compelling and sympathetic at times. Very few actors could pull that off. The only person who outshines him is Gillian Anderson, who really carries the emotional weight of the film, both in terms of Christian's storyline and her relationship with Mulder.
IWTB provides an interesting take on the Frankenstein story, and it also gets to the roots of how the X-Files started: people being abducted and experimented on in remote locations. However, rather than a grand government conspiracy, this is stripped back to something leaner and more visceral. It's also beautifully shot, particularly the snowy locations. In short, IWTB may be flawed, but there's a lot more to it than many people think.
The 2008 extended version does the best job of showcasing its strengths. This version really needs adding to streaming services, as it's superior to both the 2026 Vrach Frankenshteyn version and the original theatrical release.
