Breakthrough (2019)

Breakthrough is a powerful, true-life story of faith against all odds—one that stirs the soul and reaffirms the belief that miracles do happen. The film follows the incredible journey of Joyce Smith, a devoted mother whose teenage son John falls through an icy lake and is declared clinically dead for nearly an hour. But what happens next defies all medical logic and leaves a community forever changed.

Chrissy Metz delivers a raw and deeply moving performance as Joyce, a mother who refuses to give up—her prayers becoming the driving force in the face of hopelessness. The film doesn’t sugarcoat tragedy, nor does it present faith as an easy escape. Instead, it shows faith as something fierce, honest, and at times even desperate. It’s not blind belief—it’s love in its most persistent form.

Director Roxann Dawson crafts the story with emotional depth, balancing heartbreak and hope with grace. The film never loses sight of its central truth: that prayer is powerful, community matters, and sometimes the impossible becomes reality. Josh Lucas and Topher Grace also give strong supporting performances, adding emotional texture and balance to a story that could easily have turned overly sentimental—but never does.

What makes Breakthrough resonate is its authenticity. It’s based on the real-life miracle that took place in Missouri in 2015, and it’s told with a sense of awe and respect for both the people involved and the mystery of divine intervention. Whether you’re religious or simply open to the possibility of something greater, this film leaves a lasting impact. It reminds us that love never quits—and sometimes, when everything says “give up,” God says “not yet.”

Related Movies: