The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
EntertainmentFilmThe Latest

Film Review: The Kendrick Brothers Return with ‘Overcomer’—A Film About Identity and Purpose

by Kristen Martin August 31, 2019
by Kristen Martin August 31, 2019 0 comments
3.2K

The Kendrick Brothers—creators of War Room—return with Overcomer, a faith-based film about identity and purpose, that is now in select theaters. 

Alex Kendrick, who plays John Harrison, a high school basketball coach, stars in the movie along with Aryn Wright-Thompson (Hannah Scott), Cameron Arnett (Thomas Hill), Priscilla Shirer (Principal Olivia Brooks), and Shari Rigby (Amy Harrison).

Within the first few scenes, Coach Harrison and his basketball team are faced with defeat after an important game. The bad news continues when a manufacturing company closes down and causes hundreds of residents to leave town, including a number of families from Harrison’s team. Then, the story picks up the pace with a young and incredibly skilled runner named Hannah Scott being chased after stealing a pair of headphones. These few worlds each come crashing down in the opening scenes but do not immediately show any signs of interrelatedness.

Meanwhile, John can’t get past the devastation of losing his star players as he is seemingly defined by this one aspect of his life. He must find a way to move forward as he assumes several responsibilities after hearing the news, one being assigned to coach the school’s cross-country team. During try-outs, he meets the only interested runner, Hannah, who turns out to have asthma.  

Sony Pictures

While John visits a church member in the hospital, he literally and accidentally fumbles into another patient’s room. Thomas, who is confined by diabetes, insists on John staying to talk with him. The two develop a friendship that encourages John to visit him frequently and voluntarily, but leaves him with a philosophical question raised by Thomas—who are you?—which changes his entire perspective about his woes and coaching a one-woman cross-country team.

Sony Pictures

Thomas says, “Your identity will be tied to whatever you give your heart to,” and immediately John begins to search his heart. Through the words of Thomas, who is still hospitalized and recovering from several illnesses, John is able to be a more effective coach in preparing Hannah for the state championship race.

He comes up with an idea that is quite a tear-jerker by the end, and includes an inspirational message that all viewers can benefit from witnessing.

Sony Pictures

The actors all balance each other out. Denise Armstrong (Hannah’s grandmother) depicts a strong and resilient person who is not afraid of telling others how she feels. She is quite vocal and has made up her mind about how she will raise her grandchild after experiencing grief. Hannah’s post-traumatic stress is dealt with quite differently as she is often found alone gazing at photos of other families and stealing items that are not hers. Though not as vocal as her grandmother, she is still processing the loss in her own observant way, and it is her calm demeanor that brings others to the center of peace. 

Then there’s John’s anger and his suppressed emotion that is matched with his wife’s confrontational spirit. Even their sons have contrasting personalities, the youngest is playful like his father, vibrant, and inquisitive, while the oldest son is  a bit self-conscious, reserved, but also motivational.

Sony Pictures

In the film, some major Christian themes are addressed such as forgiveness, overcoming hardship, love, purpose, and of course, faith. There’s a line from Thomas that serves as a blueprint for understanding the heartbeat of the film: “Because God loves me, he let me be broken. And I needed to be broken. He finally got my attention, and I gave him my heart because that’s the only thing I got left.”

Each main character will eventually encounter this level of brokenness where God goes through seemingly extreme lengths to get their attention. Each character must overcome something and although a little neat and tidy—the title gives away the victorious ending—it is the urge to search within that wins the story! The characters have all different ages, backgrounds and upbringings, but share one common thread: they must learn who they are beyond the unreliable, disappointing, and ever-shattering world around them. 

For more information on the film, click here.

Alex KendrickAryn Wright-ThompsonOvercomerPriscilla ShirerThe Kendrick BrothersWar Room
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Kristen Martin

previous post
Exclusive: DDG Talks New EP, Visuals and Upcoming Projects
next post
2019 Made in America Festival: Day One

Related Posts

Kathy Hilton Unwraps Her Perfect Holiday Shopping List...

October 27, 2025

GrannyCart Giggle Hour hosts a Spooktacularly Sexy Halloween...

October 27, 2025

Inside Ligaw: The New Lower East Side Bar...

October 27, 2025

Celebrating Storytellers: The Dramatists Guild Foundation Gala

October 26, 2025

She Rocks: Women Redefining Power and Purpose in...

October 26, 2025

Andy Cohen Toasts a Decade of Radio with...

October 26, 2025

Sulfur Bottom: A Haunting Exploration of Pollution, Poverty,...

October 26, 2025

Dom Pérignon Unveils the Murakami Flower Studio in...

October 25, 2025

Brooklyn Gets a Glow-Up with Desolas Mezcal’s Reposado...

October 24, 2025

Emerald Dreams: Celebrating Wicked in New York

October 24, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company, where office life meets absurd comedy. 🪑 
Stream it now on @HBO. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/la-premiere-hbos-the-chair-company/

✍️: Katherine Wright
-
#TheChairCompany #HBO #HBOOriginal #HBOShow #BingeWorthy #MustWatch #StreamingNow
@justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The @justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The Leag, one of LA’s most talked-about underground sports events. With celebrities, athletes, and creators filling the sidelines, the night captured the energy of competition and culture colliding under the lights. 🏀

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/justin-bieber-leads-skylrk-to-victory-at-las-underground-sports-phenomenon-the-league/

✍️: Parris Rose

-
#JustinBieber #SKYLRK #TheLeag #LosAngeles #SportsCulture #Basketball #UndergroundSports
@nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about t @nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about their journey as six members, a long, inspiring adventure that’s led them to a major milestone: their first-ever full-length album, Blue Valentine. 💙

The project dives deep into the complexity of human emotions, wrapped in NMIXX’s signature MIXX-pop sound. 🎶

“The story of NMIXX is still unfolding.” 

Full Article 🔗 https://theknockturnal.com/nmixx-blue-valentine/

By @EmmaSalehi 

#NMIXX #BlueValentine #NMIXXBlueValentine #MIXXPOP #NMIXXComeback #KpopInterview #TheKnockturnal #Kpop #KpopNews #KpopGirlGroup #NMIXX_BlueValentine #HAEWON #LILY #BAE #JIWOO #KYUJIN #SULLYOON #엔믹스
Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of @beetlejuicebway? Now you can! From now until Halloween, @tempotimessquare hosting an unforgettable Beetlejuice Suite experience where every corner is bursting with spooky charm, strange surprises, and a whole lot of Netherworld flair. 💀✨ 

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a little strange and unusual, this is your chance to step into the world of the ghost with the most. 👻 #BeetlejuiceBroadway #TempoTimesSquare #BeetlejuiceSuite
#ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when y #ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when you least expect it — and flinch when you do. 👀💥

Full review out now.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/park-chan-wooks-no-other-choice-is-dark-gripping-and-bitingly-funny/

✍️: Ishan Wankavala 

-
#NoOtherChoice #KoreanCinema #Cinephile #FilmReview #NewRelease #MustWatch
📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining 📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining boundaries with each track, image, and evolution. Dive into our exclusive to uncover the artistry behind the name. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/woodz/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#Woodz #Kpop #ArtistSpotlight #Editorial
EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to elect EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to electrifying new heights, bringing “I WANT IT” to life with unmatched energy, confidence, and flair. Every beat, every move, every note is a reminder that STAYC don’t just perform—they command the stage. 🌈💥

From their glowing visuals to powerhouse vocals, @stayc_highup deliver a night that’s equal parts spectacle and soul.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/stayc/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#STAYC #StayTunedTour #IWANTIT #STAYCgirls #STAYChighup #Kpop #ConcertHighlights #ExclusiveFeature
Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new film, exploring its unique darkness. 🌟

#ParkChanWook #NoOtherChoice #TheAx #KoreanFilm #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook tea Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook teases his probable upcoming project Genocidal Organ! 

#ParkChanWook #GenocidalOrgan #NYFF #NYFF26
Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in his latest film @nootherchoicefilm. 🖤🎬

#LeeByungHun #NoOtherChoice #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun refl Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun reflects on 20 years of film, from South Korea to Hollywood! 

#LeeByungHun #Hollywood #KoreanCinema #Film #NoOtherChoice #NYFF26 #NYFF
Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what it means to move forward together in their latest comeback. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/cix/

✍️: Emma Salehi

Photo Credits: C9 Entertainment 
-
#CIX #GOChapter1 #GOTogether #TheKnockturnal #KpopInterview #KpopNews #CIXComeback #CIX2025 #KpopFeature #CIXFans
It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North Ameri It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North America on their ‘Stay Tuned’ tour! 💖

Watch their energetic and fun filled show near you 👀🌟

#stayc #kpop #kpopconcert #iwantit #staycstaytuned #staytuned
Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷 We had the most a Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷

We had the most amazing day of inspiring panels, activations and networking at @femalefounderworld, with @eyebuydirect! 👓
Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joa Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joachim Trier for their sixth cinematic journey, co-writing Sentimental Value, a poignant exploration of family, memory, and reconciliation. 

-
#Screenwriting #Storytelling #WritingForFilm #FilmWriting #NYFF2025 #NewYorkFilmFestival #IndieFilm
At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to l At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to life in Sentimental Value, portraying a character whose journey through family complexities and personal discovery resonates deeply. 

-
#RenateReinsve #NYFF #SentimentalValue #NoraBorg #FilmFestival #Actress
@nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as @nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as a director, bringing his story to life with precision, collaboration, and attention to every frame. 

The film reflects his dedication to emotion, storytelling, and cinematic craft. 🎥

-
#JoachimTrimmer #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Director #Filmmaking
We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the emotional process behind her latest film. ✨

-
#IngaIbsdotterLilleaas #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Cinema
Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ellefanning in conversation at this year’s @thenyff.

-
#ElleFanning #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #RedCarpet #Cinema
✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performa ✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performances, the 2025 #TeenVogueSummit brought together voices shaping fashion, culture, and activism today. 💬🎶

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/2025-teen-vogue-summit-recap-full-of-fun-fashion-and-connection/

✍️: Zipporah Pruitt

-
#TeenVogue #TeenVogueSummit2025 #TeenVogueEvents
#TeenVogueCommunity #TeenVogueStyle
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch