The Gift of Peace (2022 TV Movie) User Reviews

This film is about grief, loss and the best seats in the house.

[cgvsluis · 7/10 · 13 December 2022]

This is a film with a message about grief, loss and faith. There is a heavy Christian message, so forewarned if that message will bother you.

It tells the story of a painter named Traci who's husband passed away two years prior. Not only was he her husband but her painting partner as well. As her father said, they complemented each other. Traci, her family and friends all had faith and prayed for her husband's brain surgery to be successful. When it wasn't, Traci became angry, stopped praying, stopped going to church and almost gave up on her painting career.

Traci's friend and manager advises her to attend her church's support group. The support group is small and consists of the leader, an elderly woman who lost her husband who was the Santa Claus to her Mrs. Claus, a younger woman whose mom and fellow choir member passed, and a young man whose grandmother passed leaving him her baking business which didn't go well with his family.

This is all about having a safe space to talk or not talk...but most importantly to know what you are feeling is ok. What a wonderful message. I cried and cried, but it was good.

I recommend this to anyone who has experienced loss. It was quite lovely.

God of prayer. God of healing

[Jackbv123 · 8/10 · 11 December 2022]

This movie is heartwarming and well done. The acting is good. Princess Davis has a nice singing voice. I often say that Nikki Deloach is Hallmark's best actor especially if you want more than the usual rom/com. She has done a few movies about healing from loss.

We learn that after the death of her husband, Traci has lost, among other things, the heart to be able to pray. She tells us along with characters in the story that she prayed for her husband. She thinks that God did not hear her. He certainly didn't seem to answer her. Through the story, Traci learns that God doesn't always answer the way we want. She eventually opens herself up again to her support group. The writers couldn't resist throwing a hint of romance in, but it wasn't needed.

I think that this movie fully accomplished what it set out to. On what might be a slightly negative side, I found it interesting that Hallmark, which is usually excellent at capturing breathtaking scenery, chooses to use what was probably a painted background, definitely a still, for the mountain top views. I think that was meant to be significant somehow, perhaps related to Traci's vocation.

For those who resist God messages in these types of movies, you may find this movie not to your liking. There is a lot of God talk and the characters frequently give thanks to God for various things that happen. But for me, the movie stops short of going as far as it could, especially at Christmas. In this 2022 Christmas season, another movie on another network briefly told the entire story. I will simply summarize and say that the full message is that God gave the greatest gift at Christmas so that debts.

If you are grieving or know someone who is

[MickyG333 · 7/10 · 2 January 2023]

7.0 stars.

I rate these Hallmark movies based on specific criteria, most of which this movie does not attempt in any way to measure up. This is solely about grief, and loss of a loved one. If you've ever gone to grief share meetings, or the like, and you've lost a spouse, friend, parent, child, sibling, or even a beloved pet - seeing this may be a good experience for you. I lost my mom about 5 months ago. Nothing mends the soul but God and time.

This movie is rated 7.0 simply because it's a blessed thing. It is a capably made film, meets all the basic standards. There is no romance, no comedy, nothing like that. It is 100% unadulterated hope and 'The Gift of Peace' for those who need it.

A real Christmas movie.

[gfrasmd · 9/10 · 14 December 2022]

In a year when TV viewers are submerged in a sea of mostly insipid and uninspired Christmas movies, Hallmark has the courage to produce a story with real emotions and Christian values. Frankly, I am fed up with silly contests, childish antagonisms, and heroines that are passionately kissing a new love just a couple of days after breaking up with a boyfriend. Here we have people with honest feelings of grief, after a loss, who find closure and new hope through friendship, caring for others , and faith. The characters feel real, with true human dimensions and the sentiments are expressed with measure, which conveys their relevance with subtlety, yet poignancy. Nikki Deloach is wonderful in her role and Brennan Elliott shines, as well. Actually all actors provide very credible performances, probably a reflection of a solid script and wise direction. The movie leaves you with more than just holiday mirth. It leaves you reflecting on realistic and deeper human values. I must confess I am not a churchgoer. Yet, I can only admire the strength and kindness of this story. After all, this is what Christmas is supposed to be about.

An Honest, Soulful, Faith-based Hallmark Gift

[sueedel · 9/10 · 12 December 2022]

What can you say about a movie that touches your heart & soul? Both @Nikki DeLoach & Brennan Elliott flexed their acting muscles as well as their inner emotions to bring a story of a church grief support experiencing varying stages of grief. Both were exemplary, but it was Brennan Elliott's character, Michael, the leader of the support group who gave an award deserving performance as someone who has masked his grief, whether through denial or pain, and instead puts on a brave front to assist the other group members. Both he & Nikki DeLoach, as well as the supporting cast showed the struggles of pain, anger, denial, and remorse while going through the grief process with the thread of their Christian faith sustaining their journey. This was a welcome departure from the usual formulaic rom-com Christmas Hallmark movies. Most of us have experienced some form of grief in our lives. The Gift of Peace might be the best produced & acted Hallmark movie I've ever seen. Have your tissues handy and find the faith, joy, and hope this movie offers during a season that can be difficult for many who have suffered a loss in their life.

Hallmark finally has a winner

[bigolbeardd · 10/10 · 18 December 2022]

The true Hallmark has returned with this one!! Finally a heart warming family oriented Christmas movie about faith, hope and dreams. A real life story of life, how to deal with life after losing someone in your life. Nikki has out done herself in her performance, last year was "Five Minutes More" and now "Gift of Peace"! Nice to see how 5 grieving people open up and move on with life. As a Christian it's nice to see Hallmark the true meaning of the holidays to life. Bringing God into real life movies with prayer and dreams makes this a heart warming movie. Thank you Nikki and Hallmark for this wonderful gift!!

Deserves a Perfect Score!

[rkaden-28150 · 10/10 · 14 December 2022]

This is the first time I've ever felt a Hallmark film deserved a 10 rating! Having lost our spouses 20 years ago and meeting at a bereavment group, both myself and my wife had tears in our eyes throughout this film. The story was so familiar to both of us. Trying to overcome the loss of someone you thought you'd spend the rest of your life with was devestating. Going to the meetings with others we could identify with was very helpful since neither family or close friends could. We both were leary at first to open up at the meetings, just as Nikki's character was. Then when she was in a situation with Brendan's character where they were actually having fun, she had these guilt feelings. My wife and I could identify with these exact feelings.

Finally, in the end they both realize, as our priest told us, life is for the living. This movie hit every nerve in our bodies and made us remember all those feelings we had of never being able to move on, Yet somehow, we found each other and have enjoyed a wonderful life together. This was the best Hallmark film.

Best Movie this Christmas Season

[wdjdhj · 10/10 · 11 December 2022]

Having personally lost someone and having to process that loss during the holidays, this movie touched my heart in so many ways and was such a blessing to me. Nikki DeLoach and Brennan Elliott, along with the other actors, did a wonderful job of portraying those who are struggling to process the loss of loved ones. Their stories are genuine and very touching as they share what they are feeling. They are honest in their grief and in the way they share their hearts. I hope that others who watch this are as touched by the senitments expressed as much as I was, especially if they are still processing the loss of someone special in their lives.

Wonderful addition for Hallmark

[gabrieleliassayeghjr · 10/10 · 13 December 2022]

Wonderful addition for Hallmark - I loved this movie and particularly wnjoyed the message of finding God's peace, in addition to finding love, around the magic of Chrisrmas. A perfect change of pace for Hallmark to have this deeper and more meaningful message in one of their movies. The Gift of Peace is exceedingly well written with deep character background/development and unique personal stories which I felt I could truly resonate with, as did much of my family. Looking forward to rewatching this with more friends & family this holiday season and for more years to come. Thank you for making this movie!

The most meaningful Hallmark film to date

[Lordawgs · 10/10 · 19 December 2022]

What a refreshing change for Hallmark! A faith and value based Christmas film that portrays faith in a respectful way and captures the real spirit of Christmas. Romantic comedies are fine and have their place, but this was so much more. My husband and I were impressed and somewhat surprised with this level of depth in a Hallmark film, as we have watched them on and off for the last 20 years. The actors are engaging, and the characters and plot are believable. Prayer is often difficult to depict respectfully in film, but Hallmark managed to pull it off. This is the first time we have both become emotional in a Hallmark movie. Nothing is perfect, and there are a few flaws, but we gave it a 9.5 and rounded it up to 10! Hallmark, thank you for this uplifting addition to our Christmas season. Please offer more like it!

A heartfelt movie about grief, faith, healing, and peace.

[aevitullo · 10/10 · 13 December 2022]

I saw the premiere at Christmas con 2022. What an awesome experience to see the film with the amazing actors who starred in it! Nikki DeLoach and Brennan Elliott did a phenomenal job in showing us that it's OK to grieve. That there are others out there who may be grieving as well and that we do not have to go through the process alone! It was also refreshing to see the elements of faith and God throughout the film! While others are afraid to broach the subject, this movie was not. Bravo Hallmark!! This movie is definitely a must see! However, just make sure you have a box of tissue by your side!!

I loved this one!

[larryhelm-20297 · 10/10 · 17 December 2022]

I hope that Hallmark will make more movies like this. I've watched Hallmark movies through the years because they keep them clean and family friendly. Technically, Christmas is about Christ being born but many movies today are about Santa. Santamas? This movie portrayed the lives of several troubled people and showed them finding hope and help from God during the Christmas season. There was no silly or lame drama and the story was sweet and heart touching. I know that in our world today, sadly, there are many people who do not like or appreciate movies that are clean and wholesome but for me, this story is a winner!! Thank you Hallmark!

Nikki DeLoach wins again.

[Racingphan2 · 9/10 · 12 December 2022]

The best Christmas movie last year? Five More Minutes. The best this year? The Gift of Peace.

Both are amazing movies because of the talent of Nikki DeLoach. She can break your heart with a glance or a wince. She acts circles around any other actress in the Hallmark world.

She's even talented enough to get past the obvious shortcomings of the male lead, Brennan Elliott. He's always much better in the role of a villain like in Cedar Cove.

Honorable mention to Princess Davis. She's gorgeous and with a beautiful voice.

And thank you to Hallmark for at least letting us have one Christmas movie that mentions God and religion.

8 for effectiveness but with a caution

[VetteRanger · 8/10 · 11 December 2022]

For anyone expecting a Hallmark romcom, this is NOT a Hallmark romcom. It's most definitely a drama, and for the most part a very depressing drama.

It centers around a grief therapy group, so all your principal characters are in grief and haven't recovered from their loss, including the man who leads the group.

We've liked both leads in other movies, and they do a good job with this, but be ready to be sad for two hours. Even the romantic solution at the end doesn't do much to lift your spirits.

For those who, in particular, have lost a close spouse, this movie is more likely to mire you back into that experience, I'd think, than anything else. We found it sad and neither my wife nor I have lost a spouse.

So, you're fairly warned.

true meaning of Christmas

[Kirpianuscus · 24 December 2023]

It is the most impressive Christmas Hallmark who I saw. Because it is ...Christian, the meaning of Christmas is not covered in romance , the grief of loss and the steps of cure are fair and gentle and wise reflected.

Because the pray is axis of the life of characters.

For church and the best places.

Indeed, all seems familiar, from the presence of Nikki Deloach and Brennan Elliot to the details defining the familiar structure of story.

But you feel, with full joy, than it is more than Hallmark, the expected one. Small touches, nice tones, beautiful nuances and the old fashion Christmas , maybe not traditional but true.

So, the first Christmas Hallmark deserving- my opinion- just ten stars.

Heartfelt plot, good writing, great acting

[MovieQween-33622 · 10/10 · 25 December 2022]

This is such a heartfelt and beautiful holiday movie that is about connection, healing, friendship and everything in between. I really enjoyed this film, Brennan Elliot and Nikki's Deloach were both great with their acting, emotions and chemistry. It was nice to see other characters and their stories being brought in throughout the film while still staying with a cohesive story. Hallmark really did a great job with this film, so glad it's not the same old story. I got a little emotional during one of the stories that was shared about their mom. We need more heartfelt films like this, that truly focus on real human emotions and feelings.

God is in control always

[wcarla-01335 · 10/10 · 31 December 2022]

I love this movie. I lost my mom two years ago this December. I struggle daily with the loss. She was my mother, friend, my everything. This movie is so me. I stopped praying because I felt God was so far away. I am angry at myself for not being able to pray mom back to good health. Angry because everyone tips around the subject because I'm sad and they don't know how to handle it. Thank you Hallmark for such a hard warming movie. God is always in the mist and he hears our prayers but answers in his time and way. It's not for us to understand but embrace. I hope Hallmark will continue to make more movie centered toward grief, faith, and living again.

Wonderful Film

[lgroden · 9/10 · 30 December 2022]

Nikki Deloach & Brennan Elliott are two of my favourite Hallmark actors & they were absolutely wonderful in this very moving Hallmark film. As I see in other reviews, I'm also fed up with 'silly' films with immature lead actors who enter a Christmas contest etc etc. I found this film meaningful & very emotional & felt myself close to tears throughout. It portrayed those who are grieving for those they have loved & lost & how they support & help each other through their grief. I sincerely hope that Hallmark will make more of these films. I have saved the recording on my satellite box & will definitely order the DVD (I pray that it will be released on DVD!) so I can watch again & again as I love it so much.

A True Gift of Peace

[jrwhite-68307 · 10/10 · 7 November 2023]

This was a truly wonderful movie. Nikki DeLoach is a great actress and her chemistry with Brennen Elliot feels very real. It was easy to relate to the different individuals in the support group, as grief has that common bond, in all of their stories. (At the time of my loss, I didn't seek support, as I was unfamiliar with the way it worked.) After seeing this I now wish I had. The supporting characters were wonderful and shows you can never have too many friends in a time of need. Anyone who has lost a loved one should watch this. It was very beautifully done. It is big switch from the typical Hallmark Chrismas movies. The ONLY issue I had with it was the balloon release. There are much better ways to honor our loved ones that are better for the environment. Bubbles, candles, etc.

What an amazing movir

[kellyjeanne-66859 · 10/10 · 9 December 2023]

I decided to watch this movie because I love Nikki DeLoach. I ended up with more than I could have thought possible. This is a beautiful and emotional movie. I think I went through at least a dozen tissues. This movie is about finding peace again, after different losses. And while the characters go through the muck to find peace again, I found myself healing a bit and feeling more peace. The beauty that you can slowly put yourself back together after major trauma, as long as you have God to help. Believing he does hear your prayers and answers them, and realizing sometimes it may not be the answer or timing you want, but it's always when God knows you need it. Thank you Hallmark and everyone who helped bring this movie to life.

Good Religious Values

[athompsonblue · 9/10 · 1 December 2023]

This isn't your typical Hallmark fluff. But it's not as heavy and draining as some drama about domestic abuse or poverty. "The Gift of Peace" is a serious story of grief, but also an optimistic story of healing. The protagonist is a widow who joins a small support group at a church. The others have also lost loved ones, through either death or estrangement. But they help each other move forward with a brightness of hope.

Nikki Deloach is an excellent actress. She can be comedic in movies like "You Cast a Spell on Me." And she can pull off serious drama like in this movie. Likewise, I was impressed with Brennan Elliot -- he goes to an emotional place that I don't think I've seen him go to before.

I'm glad that, as of 2022, Hallmark was still willing to produce movies that feature prayer, faith in God, religious carols, and quoting scripture.