Chrissy Metz, John Lucas, and Marcel Ruiz star in an upcoming film based on true events.
Breakthrough is about a 14-year old boy, John (Marcel Ruiz), who falls through a frozen lake and drowns. John’s parents, Joyce (Chrissy Metz) and Brian (Josh Lucas), do all that they can to get their son to recover, but it seems like the only one who has faith that John will survive is his mother, Joyce.
Before the accident occurs, there are many signs of forthcoming danger throughout the film. For instance, John and his friends breaking through the ice does not come out of surprise. In the opening credits, there are flashes of a boy drowning, as well as in the movie cover and title. We’re not exactly caught off guard when this happens but it’s somehow still so shocking. The stillness in the cinematography and the urgency of a neighborhood watchman is what helps to create the suspense that the story line lacks.
Either way, we know from the start that the young boy will break through the ice and we know that the family will experience a break through in spite of the medical reports.
It’s not so much the revealing plot that makes the story great as it is the faith of one woman, John’s mother. Against all odds, she simply won’t give up.
Throughout the film, Grace is surrounded by doubtful people. Some of John’s family and community members are compassionate but at the same time, not hopeful about his recovery. As a reaction to that, the scenes become about Joyce—she must learn to break through her own plan and surrender to her faith.
Joyce occasionally becomes angered by a few people’s lack of faith, but her disagreement with her husband is the most disappointing.
She eventually prays outside of the hospital and claims to surrender the outcome. It’s a powerful prayer nevertheless but it seems, in the very next scene, that she still hasn’t relinquished the control. Either way, she informs the doctor to rid John’s body of all medication and to allow John to fight for his life. This is the turning point for everyone, followed by an extremely moving scene.
All of John’s loved ones then gather outside of the hospital singing in recognition of their love and support. Shortly after, John wakes up.
The film relies on the interactions of John’s classmates to help direct or paint a perception of John. Since he is unconscious during most of the movie, we only experience his character through the out pour of love from his community. It’s powerful enough to drive the plot, leaving the entire audience in tears.
Breakthrough is a Christian drama full of positive and hopeful messages, reminding viewers of the power of love and purpose.
For ticket information, click here.
