Starring: Louis Gossett Jr, Tatyana Ali, Beverly Todd, Kelly Carlson, Burgess Jenkins, Alan Powell, Charlie Ray Reid, Sara Antonio
Distributor: Other
Runtime: 83 mins. Reviewed in Sep 2022
Reviewer: Fr Peter Malone msc
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When a mysterious man appears in a small town, unexplained miracles start to occur, changing the lives of everyone he meets.
The recurring phrase throughout this film, seen on posters and graffiti on walls is: Only Believe.
This is an explicit faith film. It has been made for its target audience of believers, reinforcing their faith and God-commitment. It will not be persuasive for non-believers, especially for those who have some scorn for belief. [A number of IMDb reviews are particularly scathing.]
The film is strong in its expression of faith, of its conception of God. Louis Gossett Jr, in his 80s (Oscar winner for An Officer and a Gentleman) has appeared in a number of faith films over a 20-year period. Here he plays a blind pastor, managing a small church. While it might be described as evangelical, there is no focus on the person of Jesus and minimal reference to Scriptures. The focus is on God and faith.
Central to the story is a stranger in town, Ken, played by Powell. He approaches people, speaks sincerely to them, has an influence on their lives, is even able to do extraordinary things, understands people, and is always present at crucial times.
Also at the centre of the film is a young boy with leukaemia, a bright personality, a favourite with doctors and nurses at the hospital, especially the surgeon played by the enthusiastic and vivacious Ali, as well as the nurse with her personal problems but committed to the boy, using a Muppet-like puppet to urge him on, played by Carlson. There is a need for a bone marrow transplant.
Also at the hospital is another doctor who, it is revealed, is still grieving for the death of his daughter, and explicitly anti-God and anti-faith. The mother approaches the father of the boy, whom she had encountered in a one-night stand and not stayed with him. Ultimately, he is sympathetic, and relates well with the boy.
The pastor slips and falls his kitchen and recovers his sight. There is story of a woman coming out of coma at the hospital. Only Believe. However, the film raises the question of accepting gifts from God with gratitude but also the question of what if present hopes are not fulfilled – the impact on the mother of the death of her son, and on the rest of the hospital staff.
There is some similarity in plot with Wish Man, also focusing on a boy with leukaemia and dying. The screenplay is based on a book by author, William Sirls, who was written many faith-based books.
https://wonder.watch/the-reason
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