So I actually watched this movie some years back. I knew it was based on a real-life story, but I didn't do my due diligence to research a little about it and know the actual people the movie was about. Before writing this review, while checking on the movie, I finally came across the actual people and got to know more details about the incident and story.
Both touching and inspiring was the movie “Breakthrough.” When it comes to real-life stories, I hold them in high regards because for me, they aren't just entertainment, they're stories sending out big messages. So was the case with “Breakthrough.” I was touched and inspired, and as a person of faith, I found more reason to hold on to that faith with trust in God.
The movie follows a real-life incident that happened with 14-year-old John Smith, played by Marcel Ruiz. John was an adopted child in the family of Brian and Joyce Smith, played by Josh Lucas and Chrissy Metz respectively. He was well loved by the parents but his attitude towards them didn't always reciprocate that. Around his best friends, Josh and Rieger, he was always fun and lively.
It was a concern for the mom who wanted to bond with her child. But that isn't even the thing here. John spent that particular night at Rieger’s house as they had the next day off from school. Joyce was preparing to pick him up soon when she received one of the worst messages a parent could ever receive. Her son was hospitalised and struggling for his life. Broken, but without any delay, she rushed to the hospital.
One subtle interesting thing portrayed in the movie was Joyce's unfading love for John all through. It spoke to me about a mother’s love, about parents' love for their children. Despite the attitudes John had been giving her, she always loved him and prayed for him. Not the vocal message in the move but it's noteworthy.
What was it that happened with John? He was out with his two friends on that morning of the day off from school, playing and having fun. They ended up on the frozen Lake Sainte Louise in Missouri. Playing on the surface, they fell through the ice. The other boys were lucky enough to escape but not John who was submerged and trapped in the freezing water for 15 minutes before he was rescued and rushed to the hospital.
What made the movie touching and uplifting, especially for a person of faith were the things that happened in the hospital during that time. When all odds for survival are against your loved one, what do you do? When medicine seems to no longer be of help and you're watching a loved one lying dead pale, what do you do? This is where faith calls forth to be exercised. This is where hope is found in something or someone greater.
A particular scene that really got me touched was when John's friends from school and church members gathered outside the window of the room his unconscious body lay, singing “Oceans” by Hillsong United. That moment moved me. The song was actually powerful and fitting for the scene and moment. It was rendered well with candles lit. But what was more was the love I saw them show him and the family. It reaffirmed my belief in the value of good relationships.
“Breakthrough” wasn't just a movie. It was a story of faith, prayer, community support and the miraculous. In the face of crisis, against all odds, Joyce, encouraged by the love and support of her pastor and a good community, held on to prayer and faith, and belief in the supernatural. It leaves a thoughtful concern; what happens when we're in a crisis, and hope seems to be lost? When it's beyond our control and power, and reality speaks a different language? The movie was really impactful, as I do consider movies based on real-life stories to be. It was a good watch.
Thank you for reading!
Rating: 90/100