The latest faith based movie is showing new meaning to the word believe. Based on the miraculous true story of a young boy who falls in a freezing lake and stays under for more than 15 minutes, Breakthrough shows the tireless motivation that first responders go thorough every day as they respond to various situations of life threatening tragedies. In addition, the film also captures the undeniable faith of a christian women especially when all hope seems lost. It is that faith that drives the story and has audiences in tears of joy when miracles happen.
Based on the book by fearless Christian mother, Joyce Smith, the film was produced by Miracles From Heaven‘s Devon Franklin and as one is watching Breakthrough, there are definitely a lot of similarities, from the subtle Christian approach to the powerful performances by the cast which is relative unknowns portraying some of the most powerful performances.
First of the cast is an actress named Chrissy Metz, who is most known for her role in the TV series, This Is Us. Ultimately Metz has a way of captivating audiences with her rawness and emotional pull. She’s seen first off as a devoted Christian woman, not willing to change from tradition especially when a younger pastor comes in to her church and starts shaking up the congregation with more contemporary music and teachings. Being introduced to this side of her, helps audiences see just how a tragedy can bring together dividing lines for the greater good.
Metz also has a strong chemistry between all of the cast even the young pastor (Topher Grace) who ends up staying by her side while her son John is fighting for his life. Grace, himself, is taking a leap of faith in playing a minister now in this movie and he as well exceptionally captured that of one who handles controversy in the midst of opposition in order to support those who need to be supported. It’s a totally different type of movie then the others he has been involved with, however his character also sees a slight change from the beginning of the movie where he came of as that of somewhat cocky, misunderstood pastor to that of one who could stand beside a grief stricken family when all hope seems lost.
Breakthrough has several themes interwoven throughout the story; all centered around hope and faith. There is also the picture of adoption which comes out for the first time through John in his high school history class when he refuses to do an assignment on his family history. That idea of abandonment and isolation, fuels the movie as we see the rebellion a teen which also resembles that of the new pastor coming into a new church.
Of course the most powerful theme is seen through the eyes of the non believer and it’s absolutely remarkable how the film uses the rescuers not only to save John, but also to save themselves as the concept of listening to that small voice resonates throughout the movie and makes it by far the strongest Christian film yet.
Breakthrough came out in theaters on April 17, which coincided with Easter weekend and brought nearly sold out crowds in as it brought in over 11 million opening weekend with a current box office totaling over 28 million. It’s still playing at a theater near you and will have you tearing up with hope as you watch the unbelievable true story about the power of faith, hope and love.