Miracles from Heaven

Director: Patricia Riggen
Writers: Christy Beam, Randy Brown
Stars: Jennifer Garner, Kylie Rogers, Martin Henderson
Strength: Acting
Weakness: Story
Runtime: 109 minutes
Rating: 3/5

PLOT: Based on a true story of a young girl suffering from a rare and incurable disorder who finds herself miraculously cured after surviving a terrible accident.

REVIEW: When their daughter Anna (Kylie Rogers) gets diagnosed with an incurable and lethal abdominal disease which causes constant distress and pain, it pushes the family to their economic, emotional and spiritual limits. The only clinic capable of treating Anna is in Boston, requiring check-ups and return visits every several weeks for treatment that doesn't cure, but only aids to offer a better life. 

The film is about Anna's healing and her belief in God, but also about the day-to-day kindnesses of strangers or friends that can make all the difference in the world. It has an evergreen message that should reverberate with audiences whether they're more familiar with a movie theatre or a house of worship. Every emotion portrayed by the mother Christy Beam (Jennifer Garner), is raw and heartfelt. Likewise, the same must be said for Kylie, acting beyond her age to capture the audience's attention throughout, making you feel every ounce of pain the little girl endures as the character. Strong supporting roles by Henderson, Queen Latifah, John Carroll Lynch, Bruce Altman and others add to the depth and impact of the story. Some might sense a presence of manipulation, especially due to the preachy tone during the end. Overall, the film makes an amazing effort to urge the viewers to comprehend their faith and beliefs and perhaps appreciate that there really is more to existence than meets the eye.

Reviewed by Minam Haque