“Breakthrough” (2019) is a Christian drama film directed by Roxann Dawson and based on the true story of John Smith, a teenage boy who miraculously survived a near-death experience. The movie stars Chrissy Metz, Josh Lucas, Topher Grace, and Mike Colter. It tells the inspirational story of faith, love, and perseverance, highlighting the power of prayer and belief in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Plot Summary
The film centers on John Smith (played by Marcel Ruiz), a 14-year-old boy who falls through the ice while playing with friends in a frozen lake in Missouri. He is submerged in the frigid water for an extended period of time and is presumed dead when he is pulled from the lake. Despite efforts from emergency responders, John has no pulse and is declared dead by the medical team.
However, Joy Smith (Chrissy Metz), John’s mother, refuses to give up on her son. In an act of faith, she prays fervently by his side, asking God to restore her son’s life. Miraculously, John is revived, and his heart begins to beat again. Though John shows signs of life, his recovery is far from certain, and he faces a long road ahead. Doctors believe that, even if he survives, he may be severely brain-damaged due to the lack of oxygen.
The movie follows John’s miraculous recovery, which confounds doctors and medical experts, as well as the profound impact it has on his family, friends, and the community. Joy’s unwavering faith and belief in the power of prayer become central to the story as she helps guide her son through his physical and emotional recovery. Throughout the journey, the film explores themes of miracles, hope, and the unbreakable bond between mother and child.
Themes
- Faith and Prayer: The central theme of Breakthrough is the power of faith and prayer. Joy’s belief in God’s ability to heal her son, even when medical science gives little hope, plays a critical role in John’s miraculous survival. The movie highlights the strength that faith can provide in difficult circumstances.
- Miracles: The film presents John’s recovery as a miracle, defying medical expectations and inspiring everyone around him. It underscores the idea that miracles can happen, even in the most dire situations, and offers a message of hope to those going through challenging times.
- Family and Love: At the heart of Breakthrough is the emotional connection between John and his family, particularly his mother, Joy. Her dedication to her son and her love for him drive her to never give up, even when the odds seem impossible. The movie emphasizes the power of unconditional love and support during times of crisis.
- Healing and Recovery: Beyond the physical aspect of John’s recovery, the movie also addresses the emotional and psychological challenges he faces after the accident. It shows the importance of healing on all levels—body, mind, and spirit—highlighting the role of community support, therapy, and faith in recovery.
- Community and Support: The film also explores the role of the community in John’s recovery, with friends, church members, and medical professionals all playing pivotal roles in his healing process. The collective support that surrounds John demonstrates the importance of community in overcoming adversity.
Cast and Characters
- Chrissy Metz as Joy Smith: Joy Smith is the devoted mother of John, whose faith and determination never waver as she advocates for her son’s survival. Chrissy Metz’s performance centers around a mother’s unconditional love and belief in the impossible.
- Josh Lucas as Brian Smith: Brian is John’s father, who, although initially skeptical, stands by his wife’s side as they navigate the emotional and medical challenges of their son’s condition. His character represents the balance between rationality and faith.
- Topher Grace as Pastor Jason Noble: Pastor Noble plays an important role in supporting the Smith family, offering spiritual guidance and comfort to them during the crisis. His character also serves as a conduit for the community’s faith and prayer.
- Mike Colter as Dr. Garrett: Dr. Garrett is one of the doctors responsible for John’s recovery. He initially expresses doubt about John’s chances but becomes increasingly astonished by the progress he makes. His character highlights the tension between science and faith.
- Marcel Ruiz as John Smith: John Smith is the teenager whose story is at the center of the film. His miraculous recovery after being declared dead serves as the film’s focal point and a testament to the power of faith and family.
Style and Tone
Breakthrough has a tone of hope, inspiration, and emotional resonance. It is designed to appeal to audiences looking for uplifting stories of faith, family, and perseverance. The film blends dramatic moments with elements of a family drama, showing the emotional rollercoaster that the Smith family experiences as they fight for their son’s life.
The cinematography often focuses on close-up shots of the characters’ faces, conveying the intensity of their emotions during moments of fear, joy, and relief. The music, composed by Klaus Badelt, complements the film’s emotional arc, enhancing the uplifting and heartwarming atmosphere.
Reception
Breakthrough received generally positive reviews from audiences, particularly from those who enjoy inspirational and faith-based films. Critics praised Chrissy Metz’s performance, with many noting her emotional portrayal of a mother who never gives up on her child. The film’s focus on faith and the depiction of a real-life miracle resonated with many viewers, especially those who are part of religious or faith-based communities.
However, the film received mixed reviews from some critics, who felt that the plot was somewhat predictable and that the film followed familiar tropes of faith-based cinema. While the film’s pacing and character development were occasionally criticized, many acknowledged its emotional impact and powerful message of hope.
The film was considered a success in terms of its box office performance, grossing over $50 million worldwide, against a production budget of about $14 million. Its success highlighted the strong demand for family-friendly and faith-based films, especially those that tackle real-life stories of triumph over adversity.
Conclusion
Breakthrough (2019) is an inspiring and heartwarming film that tells the true story of a boy’s miraculous recovery and the faith of his mother, who never gave up on him. With themes of hope, faith, and the power of prayer, the film explores the emotional and spiritual challenges faced by the Smith family. While it follows the familiar conventions of a faith-based drama, its powerful message and uplifting story make it a compelling watch for audiences seeking stories of resilience and the impact of love and prayer in difficult times.
