Many emotional breakthroughs occur in filmmaker Roxann Dawson’s fact- and faith-based film, but the major one is physical—a 2015 accident in which Missouri teen John (Marcel Ruiz), adopted son of deeply religious parents Joyce and Brian Smith (Chrissy Metz and Josh Lucas), falls through the ice on a frozen lake and spends a quarter-hour underwater before being pulled out. Although pronounced dead in the hospital, John revives when Joyce prays over him, begging God to restore her son. Whether the doctors will be able to keep him alive, however, is uncertain, setting the stage for a long wait while he remains in a coma. Other breakthroughs occur while the outcome remains in doubt: Joyce, for example, bonds with the new pastor (Topher Grace) with whom she has previously sparred over his “hipster” methods, learning that humility is an important part of faith. The unbelieving paramedic who rescued the teen begins to wonder whether a divine impulse animated his actions. And later John, who had grown rebellious, realizes during his recovery just how lucky he is to have been adopted by a loving family. Although it adds a small measure of complexity by raising the question of why God saves some but not others, Breakthrough fundamentally remains a sermon for believers, and its combination of heavy religious messaging and Hallmark Hall of Fame style will doubtlessly turn off audiences of a more secular bent. Optional. (F. Swietek)
Breakthrough
Fox, 116 min., PG, DVD: $29.98, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $34.99, July 16 Volume 34, Issue 4
Breakthrough
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