I've seen my share of "faith-based" films and been disappointed. ("The writing, directing, and acting were awful, but other than that it was a great movie.")
Lately, however, films with spiritual themes are exhibiting the kind of quality that the subject deserves.
Being familiar with some of Mitch Teemley's work, I was anticipating excellence, and I wasn't disappointed.
Like some of the other reviewers, I was a little surprised that the "man of God" in this story is a Catholic priest. It was refreshing to see him portrayed as a normal man, who responds with as much shock, grief, and dismay as any other man would as he tries to make sense of what has happened in light of his faith. The emotions portrayed were very relatable, and at the end there is at least one character who is still struggling to accept the outcome.
There are some very poignant, defining moments in the story, including dreams, that take us on the journey with the grieving mother from craving revenge to healing. I can't say I was entirely surprised at the way things turned out; I have heard of such things happening in real life. But the main reason I found the satisfying ending entirely believable is because I recognize the unseen lead Character, who makes the impossible possible.
38 Reviews
A must see movie about God's redemptive forgiveness
mwild-9227327 May 2020
Writer and director, Mitch Teemley did a great job of showing God's redemptive purpose for forgiveness which brings healing and restoration in the midst of great tragedy and injustice. The movie is raw and real. A breath of fresh air in a cinematic world where revenge and vigilante justice is the normal fare. A well-done faith-based movie. Definitely worth watching.
A "Must-See" film
Mustang9224 May 2020
"Healing River" is an excellent movie. Engaging and poignant, this movie tackles one of the deepest, most powerful tenets of Faith. And does it incredible well. Which I didn't expect, because I don't usually like faith-based type movies as they're usually preachy, or corny, or just plain lame with mediocre or bad acting. Not this one. Top-notch acting and great storyline that -- even with the serious subject matter -- was entertaining. In my view, a "must-see" movie.
Not Your Typical "Religious" Film
LiviusAndronicus26 May 2020
This film provides a powerful and accurate picture of the power of forgiveness and mercy. And it does it while-thankfully-avoiding the tropes that plague lesser productions dealing with the subject of Christianity. It offers a candid portrayal of the rage and desire for revenge experience by nearly everyone (including Christians) when they are victimized.
Rather than simplistically (and inaccurately) painting forgiveness as something that is easy to offer, the actual internal struggle is displayed extremely well. It is quite believable. Especially with the presence of so many prayers of lamentation. (See King David's psalms, the writings of Jeremiah, and other biblical illustrations of such prayer.)
One reason for the film's novel treatment of the subject matter may be that it reflects an evangelical Catholic perspective. Unlike most religious movies, it is not based on some fundamentalist or "nondenominational" theological approach. Nor is it inspired by the liberal theology (e.g. universal salvation) that pervades much of Roman Catholicism today. This film, on the contrary, strikes a realistic chord because the faith of the characters is real. It is anchored in a trust in a living God, and recognition that Christianity is about infinitely more than going through religious motions.
Mitch Teemley, along with his cast and production team, have done a great job creating a moving and convincing drama that persuasively portrays the deepest struggles of real life.
Rather than simplistically (and inaccurately) painting forgiveness as something that is easy to offer, the actual internal struggle is displayed extremely well. It is quite believable. Especially with the presence of so many prayers of lamentation. (See King David's psalms, the writings of Jeremiah, and other biblical illustrations of such prayer.)
One reason for the film's novel treatment of the subject matter may be that it reflects an evangelical Catholic perspective. Unlike most religious movies, it is not based on some fundamentalist or "nondenominational" theological approach. Nor is it inspired by the liberal theology (e.g. universal salvation) that pervades much of Roman Catholicism today. This film, on the contrary, strikes a realistic chord because the faith of the characters is real. It is anchored in a trust in a living God, and recognition that Christianity is about infinitely more than going through religious motions.
Mitch Teemley, along with his cast and production team, have done a great job creating a moving and convincing drama that persuasively portrays the deepest struggles of real life.
More Realistic than we'd like to admit
fegan-6814326 May 2020
Oh No another religious film? Argh! Boy gets drunk and kills someone. Mother goes to boy and forgives him and then he changes his life and all's right with the world. But it isn't like that.
No! Mom and friends and relatives get MAD! The boy gets off easy in the court! How is that making him accountable? Mom and friends want accountability, justice, REVENGE! Then you see the brave mom going up against the gang kid and blowing him up. Blood! Guts! Gore. It isn't like that either.
That's what makes this film so good. It doesn't go for the crowd-pleasing reaction. It seems more realistic when Mom meets the accused for the first time in jail. It makes sense when the priest talks to the kid. I understand that the process the characters goes through takes longer than what's apparent in the film.
The directing is well done. You can see the pain behind their eyes, and the glow that starts to grow as the film goes further. This is not one to see with NO KLEENEX. Your shirt or hoodie will be sopping wet by the middle of the film! I also loved the music. Very nice use of guitar!
The plot is not unlike what happens in real life. The reactions are real and heartfelt. I highly recommend it. When I get some more Kleenex, I may watch it again.
No! Mom and friends and relatives get MAD! The boy gets off easy in the court! How is that making him accountable? Mom and friends want accountability, justice, REVENGE! Then you see the brave mom going up against the gang kid and blowing him up. Blood! Guts! Gore. It isn't like that either.
That's what makes this film so good. It doesn't go for the crowd-pleasing reaction. It seems more realistic when Mom meets the accused for the first time in jail. It makes sense when the priest talks to the kid. I understand that the process the characters goes through takes longer than what's apparent in the film.
The directing is well done. You can see the pain behind their eyes, and the glow that starts to grow as the film goes further. This is not one to see with NO KLEENEX. Your shirt or hoodie will be sopping wet by the middle of the film! I also loved the music. Very nice use of guitar!
The plot is not unlike what happens in real life. The reactions are real and heartfelt. I highly recommend it. When I get some more Kleenex, I may watch it again.
An incredible movie about forgiveness!
thewilsonfamily200126 June 2020
For those struggling with forgiveness, I implore you to watch this film. As a survivor of abuse, I've had to come face to face with what forgiveness means in the face of the unthinkable. The writing, directing, and the acting in this film is incredible. Have some Kleenex and an open heart ready - you won't be disappointed!
Saw it twice
hollandgray-1970927 May 2020
I really did enjoy this movie. It took you through so many emotions and stirred you to think. It took you in one side of life and brought you through to the other side. We all go through something, some more than others, but this film showed how you don't have to be alone and that anything is possible.
I would have given it a 10, but I thought the judge was just a bit too much at one point. You may have thought the Mom was too much, but since I have experienced that kind of loss I can tell you she was right on! Great film!
Outstanding movie!
bishopbledsoe26 June 2020
This film is a gracious true to life reality about crisis, conflict, anger, rage, grace, love and reconciliation. A welcome addition to all the other violence perpetrated in media today. I recommend viewing for all audiences seeking a way to reconcile differences in life.
Great Storytelling!
gabrielleguthrie30 June 2020
I really enjoyed this movie. It's was a refreshing change of pace for a faith based movie, real and authentic, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I felt like I knew these characters in real life. Such a good tale about forgiveness, conflict, anger, and redemption. I highly recommend it.
Redemption At Its Best
hannekej31 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Healing River is an honest and emotion-filled movie that shows a mother's angry reaction to the killing of her son by a troubled young man. But the forgiveness that God brings to work in this mother's heart is a poignant display of the deep redemption and forgiveness that can only be brought about by a changed heart.
A thoughtful and insightful move!
I LOVED this movie!
ladyquixote1 July 2020
Healing River made me think, it made me cry, and in the end, it left me feeling overwhelmed with joy. I loved it! My only dislike is the focus on Catholicism. I am a Protestant Christian.
Even so, this movie is top notch and worthy of ten stars. The acting, the storyline, the music, and the beautiful, powerful scenes -- it's all so good, I plan to watch it again.
Even so, this movie is top notch and worthy of ten stars. The acting, the storyline, the music, and the beautiful, powerful scenes -- it's all so good, I plan to watch it again.
REDEMPTION & FORGIVENESS, EVEN IN DEATH
robert23-112 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
First, I totally disagree with the current rating of this "thoughtful & insightful" movie, which I saw on AMAZON PRIME. The writer, Mitch Teemley, is to be commended for a well written movie, including the unexpected "surprise" ending/twist. Given this is 2020, we all need to forgive, like the mother of the teen killed by an addicted driver. Her compassion toward the young 17yo driver ALEC,is the essence, to me, of the movie. As expressed so eloquently by the brother of the mother, a Pastor, God's role & faith are paramount. The performance of the lead actor(Rupert Spraul) in the role of ALEC was nothing short of phenomenal, which showed his outstanding acting skills. Hollywood casting directors, this actor is a keeper who I'm sure will have a great career.
Loved this!
groethe-3178330 January 2021
Great Movie
corf-1239229 January 2021
Must see!
bygonebloom27 July 2020
I watched this movie last night and enjoyed it very much. It was a tear jerker. The last line of the movie at the end was my favorite. It moved me. I highly recommend it especially if you're like me and want to see more clean and wholesome entertainment with a message.
A movie I connected with as a mother of a son who died
kristietiller23 February 2021
This movie made me realize I have to forgive in order to let go of the hurt that I feel from the loss of my own son.. I would recommend this movie to anyone who has lost someone and your still trying to hold on to the hatred and blame feelings..
Not you typical faith movie
dave-2691029 July 2020
Make me feel what they feel.
Independent production or Hollywood blockbuster, the mark of great storytelling is to make the audience experience what the characters experience. Even big budget productions can fall flat when it comes to the ability to make the audience feel what those in the story feel. Healing River accomplished this at a level that I have rarely if ever experienced. This film is not a bunch of well-acted emotional scenes peppered throughout the movie to get you to feel the characters' pain, this movie is the characters' pain from start to finish. We never are allowed to ignore that the hurt and the struggle to address that hurt is always there no matter what is going on or who the main characters interact with. Let me make a slight adjustment to that last statement, we never stop feeling the pain, we never escape the deep hurt and conflict that has become the main focus of the characters' lives. It becomes a part of us as an audience no matter what is going on or who the main characters interact with.
This is what real life looks like.
Unlike most Christian movies, this movie doesn't just present us with the situation and hope we can find a way to connect. Healing River drops us unapologetically into the struggle and forces us to face the reality of the emotions that fight for control after someone has inflicted pain that cannot be undone. Mitch Teemley chooses to use real life language rather than try to "Christianize" the dialogue. The movie doesn't try to cover up the fact that what we say and how we feel in times of trauma doesn't go through the same filters that we use in other settings. Christians are no exception when it comes to expressing grief. Using real language and expressing feelings that almost of us would have had, no matter how dark and "unchristian" they may appear was so refreshing. The movie found a balance that is often missed. It limited the language so that it had impact rather than shock value and the dark feelings and emotional torment so that it was believable rather than manipulative.
Forgiveness, the action that will set you free.
Regardless of your background and your faith practice, we have all been told that forgiveness is the only way to move forward. It is easy to say and often easy to do when it comes to "spilt milk" every day occurrences. Healing River explores the pain of having to forgive something that seems unforgiveable and, just as painful, having to accept that forgiveness and forgive yourself. As much as you know where the film is going, or at least you think it should go, Healing River is not movie that creates a straight line from pain inflicted to forgiveness nor does it support the illusion that everyone can easily forgive even suggesting that some may never be able to forgive. I found myself riding the waves of emotion that the characters experienced which tossed me around leading me to suspend my preconceived "this is how a Christian movie should go" and "this is how a Christian person should react" and just feel what they were feeling. I believe this is why Healing River works so well. We know we need to forgive to move forward in life but the movie makes us feel what we would really feel if we were in the character's shoes. This is all because of great writing, directing/production and a great cast.
Every movie review needs a negative to be believed.
I had tears in my eyes from about 12 minutes in until the end. Being able introduce this level of emotion continually throughout a movie is a great accomplishment however there is a downside. Due to COVID19 I could not cover up my response with a fake cough or it would be assumed that I might be infected so I just sat and let the tears roll slowly down my face. That's okay, Healing River is a movie that I am not embarrassed to say touched me deeply, so deeply that I could not cover it up, pandemic or not!
Independent production or Hollywood blockbuster, the mark of great storytelling is to make the audience experience what the characters experience. Even big budget productions can fall flat when it comes to the ability to make the audience feel what those in the story feel. Healing River accomplished this at a level that I have rarely if ever experienced. This film is not a bunch of well-acted emotional scenes peppered throughout the movie to get you to feel the characters' pain, this movie is the characters' pain from start to finish. We never are allowed to ignore that the hurt and the struggle to address that hurt is always there no matter what is going on or who the main characters interact with. Let me make a slight adjustment to that last statement, we never stop feeling the pain, we never escape the deep hurt and conflict that has become the main focus of the characters' lives. It becomes a part of us as an audience no matter what is going on or who the main characters interact with.
This is what real life looks like.
Unlike most Christian movies, this movie doesn't just present us with the situation and hope we can find a way to connect. Healing River drops us unapologetically into the struggle and forces us to face the reality of the emotions that fight for control after someone has inflicted pain that cannot be undone. Mitch Teemley chooses to use real life language rather than try to "Christianize" the dialogue. The movie doesn't try to cover up the fact that what we say and how we feel in times of trauma doesn't go through the same filters that we use in other settings. Christians are no exception when it comes to expressing grief. Using real language and expressing feelings that almost of us would have had, no matter how dark and "unchristian" they may appear was so refreshing. The movie found a balance that is often missed. It limited the language so that it had impact rather than shock value and the dark feelings and emotional torment so that it was believable rather than manipulative.
Forgiveness, the action that will set you free.
Regardless of your background and your faith practice, we have all been told that forgiveness is the only way to move forward. It is easy to say and often easy to do when it comes to "spilt milk" every day occurrences. Healing River explores the pain of having to forgive something that seems unforgiveable and, just as painful, having to accept that forgiveness and forgive yourself. As much as you know where the film is going, or at least you think it should go, Healing River is not movie that creates a straight line from pain inflicted to forgiveness nor does it support the illusion that everyone can easily forgive even suggesting that some may never be able to forgive. I found myself riding the waves of emotion that the characters experienced which tossed me around leading me to suspend my preconceived "this is how a Christian movie should go" and "this is how a Christian person should react" and just feel what they were feeling. I believe this is why Healing River works so well. We know we need to forgive to move forward in life but the movie makes us feel what we would really feel if we were in the character's shoes. This is all because of great writing, directing/production and a great cast.
Every movie review needs a negative to be believed.
I had tears in my eyes from about 12 minutes in until the end. Being able introduce this level of emotion continually throughout a movie is a great accomplishment however there is a downside. Due to COVID19 I could not cover up my response with a fake cough or it would be assumed that I might be infected so I just sat and let the tears roll slowly down my face. That's okay, Healing River is a movie that I am not embarrassed to say touched me deeply, so deeply that I could not cover it up, pandemic or not!
Powerful truths of forgiveness!
MKfromMidwest13 July 2020
I LOVED this film. From the opening scene onward, I was drawn into the character's lives. The storyline is great. The theme of forgiveness is not new but it is dramatized in a fresh way. I was struck by the diversity of cultures and ethnicities represented in this film, it is a multi-cultural mix of humanity.
This film portrays life with real authenticity - what it is like to be out in the world with sinners and broken people. This movie is no fairytale version of Christianity. It's not overly sanitized and filled with platitudes. Healing River is a genuine representation of the struggles to live out one's faith in the midst of tough circumstances.
Some are critical of cursing in the movie. I can understand from a parental standpoint when choosing to be vigilant about what young, emphasis on young, children hear in the home. I found this film to represent humanity in an accurate sense while censoring enough to make me comfortable to view with pre-teens and teenagers. Most teenagers will have heard the language used at school, the workplace, a mall, or somewhere in life. If you make it an opportunity for further discussion with your teens about why your family has the standards and expectations that it does, you as a parent or grandparent are not endorsing a certain type of speech or cursing that occurs in the film. I think there is far worse language in many songs of the times.
This is a movie I will watch again and recommend.
This film portrays life with real authenticity - what it is like to be out in the world with sinners and broken people. This movie is no fairytale version of Christianity. It's not overly sanitized and filled with platitudes. Healing River is a genuine representation of the struggles to live out one's faith in the midst of tough circumstances.
Some are critical of cursing in the movie. I can understand from a parental standpoint when choosing to be vigilant about what young, emphasis on young, children hear in the home. I found this film to represent humanity in an accurate sense while censoring enough to make me comfortable to view with pre-teens and teenagers. Most teenagers will have heard the language used at school, the workplace, a mall, or somewhere in life. If you make it an opportunity for further discussion with your teens about why your family has the standards and expectations that it does, you as a parent or grandparent are not endorsing a certain type of speech or cursing that occurs in the film. I think there is far worse language in many songs of the times.
This is a movie I will watch again and recommend.
Excellent film
donwhite-3067830 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This is an excellent movie. It's far better than most Christian films. It touched me. The female lead played Ingrid, someone who is a much better person than I am? Losing a child is the worst thing any parent can face. How they deal with it changes the rest of their life.
The writer seemed to understand how it feels from the viewpoint of each character. You may need to have a box of Kleenex handy, it is an emotional film. Although not in the same way, my wife and I lost a daughter and felt the producers understood what we went through. The message of the movie is about the power of forgiveness being able to heal many lives.
The writer seemed to understand how it feels from the viewpoint of each character. You may need to have a box of Kleenex handy, it is an emotional film. Although not in the same way, my wife and I lost a daughter and felt the producers understood what we went through. The message of the movie is about the power of forgiveness being able to heal many lives.
Wonderful story, wonderful music
bettecox-786877 July 2020
Watching Healing River brought back painful memories for me. Since the horrible day in 2006 that my husband and best friend Tim died, I haven't been able to sit through a movie about personal tragedy for even five minutes. This was the first, and despite my tears I'm glad I did. It reminded me that no matter what happens, peace of mind and heart is available -- supernatural peace. It's found in only one place, in a person. One other comment: as great as this storyline was, the accompanying melodies and lyrics were also great. I highly recommend this anointed movie.
Riveting!
gugasshelly28 July 2020
This is an excellent movie that draws you in from the first moment. It deals with the really hard questions of life and offers hope and healing. The message of salvation and redemption is abundantly clear, but presented in an unforgettable manner.
Love, Tragedy, Loss and Forgiveness
raycarlahicks19 July 2022
I really enjoyed The Healing River, written and directed by Mitch Teemley. In this movie we meet a mother and her brother, a priest, as they try to reconcile God in their lives after her son was killed by a young man who was drunk and high on drugs. I do not want to give the story away, so will say no more about the plot, but how it made me feel. My emotions were all over the place. I can't imagine what it would feel like to lose a child to a senseless accident that could have been prevented. At times I was angry, I was even sobbing at points. I wanted to wrap my arms around different characters as they tried to move forward through their grief. Christine Jones, in her role as the grieving mother, Ingrid Amblin, does an amazing job portraying the rage and anger that a person can feel in this situation. Her gradual change and move to forgiveness is well done, with hesitation, back tracking and eventual acceptance, which made it realistic and believable. Father Peter showed how even a priest is human and his anger at God was totally believable. Again, my heart was broken watching them move forward. Rupert Spraul, who played Alec McCortland was a great character. He oozed contempt, hatred at himself, and anger and I enjoyed watching him as he realized that he was not worthless and there were people who cared about it. I know that God can provide comfort, if we let him, but that is not always easy. This movie shows how difficult that can be, but also the peace that comes with it when we forgive, accept and love. I definitely recommend this wonderful movie to those looking for great acting, a wonderful plot and a story of how God can work in our lives, even under the worst circumstances.
Gritty Truth
klhib8 June 2020
This movie explores the very real struggle to forgive when our hearts are absolutely broken.At times, I couldn't swallow because of the lump in my throat. But love ultimately wins, and so do viewers, who are sure to be transformed by this film.
I don't watch many movies, but this one so vividly depicts raw human emotions and the power of redemption that I couldn't tear myself away from it. You must see this movie!
I don't watch many movies, but this one so vividly depicts raw human emotions and the power of redemption that I couldn't tear myself away from it. You must see this movie!
Forgiveness
kelleymorris-204113 June 2020
Raw and real
dadsiccardi3 June 2020
I watched Healing River ... and I heartily recommend it. It certainly has a Christian (Catholic) message, but what I appreciated was the subtle - and sometimes not so subtle - way faith has been integrated into the film. This is NOT a holier than thou film. It is gritty and raw. It covers a panoply of emotions. It bridges from happiness to hopelessness to restoration and forgiveness. It connects two souls - three if you count the son who dies - through the intermediary of a Catholic priest/brother. Through faith, hurt, bitterness, anger, and justice are transformed into peace, amity, comfort, and healing.
The acting was was better than expected for a faith-based flick. Often, the plot is preachy and delivered by less than seasoned thespians. Not here. The core actors - Christine Jones (Ingrid Ambelin), Rupert Spraul (Alec McCortland), and Michael Wilhelm (Father Peter) - deliver on time, every time, with passion and emotion. You could feel their characters come alive.
It's a drama, a raw roller coaster ride that will be enjoyed by anyone who takes the time to watch - Christian or not.
Healing River is rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements, substance issues, some language, and brief violence. And, shucky darn, I think I picked up on an expletive or two as well.
The acting was was better than expected for a faith-based flick. Often, the plot is preachy and delivered by less than seasoned thespians. Not here. The core actors - Christine Jones (Ingrid Ambelin), Rupert Spraul (Alec McCortland), and Michael Wilhelm (Father Peter) - deliver on time, every time, with passion and emotion. You could feel their characters come alive.
It's a drama, a raw roller coaster ride that will be enjoyed by anyone who takes the time to watch - Christian or not.
Healing River is rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements, substance issues, some language, and brief violence. And, shucky darn, I think I picked up on an expletive or two as well.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
