Over-the-Rhine

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.