These faith-filled, entertaining films are hidden gems that will keep you company during social distancing
Across the country, movie theaters are closing amid coronavirus. Movie lovers don’t fret. It’s the perfect time to stream some hidden gems that you might have missed. As social distancing becomes the new mandated norm, streaming platforms might become the best options to watch movies that boost your spirit. As many people are drawing on their faith during this trying time, following are 10 independent films that will inspire you.
1. Redemption of the Commons
No life is common and this film is a testament to that. Victor seems to have it all together - good looks, his own branding company, and life in L.A. But appearances can be deceiving and in his case they certainly are, because in reality, he's broke. Victor ends up back home which is a shabby trailer park in the deep south where he learns he has to deal with his past before moving on to his future. Redemption of the Commons is an inspiring, family movie that reinforces we all have a purpose in life—whether it’s the one we want—well, that’s not our choice. The film is included with Amazon Prime.
2. Sabina K
A breathtaking film for adults only, Sabina K is one of my all-time favorite movies—did I say ever. Sabina is a divorced mother of two small children who falls in love with Saša, an old friend from the Bosnian war. She is Muslim and he is Christian. The two plan to marry, but things go terribly wrong when Saša mysteriously disappears. Sabina undergoes many hardships: losing her job and her children, homelessness, and a difficult pregnancy. She starts to wonder about God, but falls into despair and tries to kill herself. Does she pull through? You’ll have to watch this very special masterpiece to find out. The film is in Bosnian with English subtitles and is available here from Vision Video.
3. My Son
After losing custody of their little boy, Cadon and Jess take very drastic measures to get their son back with the help of Bo an erratic friend. They end up holding a church hostage. With the situation spiraling out of control, Cadon, Jess and Bo will each have life-changing decisions to make. My Son tells the story behind a too-real tragedy interwoven with a message of hope that can overcome even our worst choices. I just love the metaphorical ending of this film. Despite its questionable R rating from the MPAA, My Son is a keeper and is included with Amazon Prime.
4. Because of Gracia
A pastor's daughter disrupts the status quo in this coming of age romantic comedy that is more romantic than comedy. It explores friendship and dating in high school. Gracia lives by her Christian convictions and is able to help her friends do the same. The movie is a poignant look at the lives of young people trying to live out their faith in high school. Be warned that it examines some mature themes like teen pregnancy. Because of Gracia is available on Prime Video.
5. Love Different
Funny, faith-based comedy about a white woman, Lindsey who lands a job at an African-American consulting firm and finds herself in a complete culture shock. An African American co-worker is given the task of giving her a speed course on African American culture. Lindsay has 48 hours to learn about the African American culture. If she doesn’t, she’ll lose her job. Love Different is included with Amazon Prime.
6. Faith’s Song
A young girl's faith is tested, when her parents are suddenly killed in a car crash and she is forced to move in with relatives who are non-believers. She finds herself in a new city, new school and no friends. She is a talented singer, who wants to worship God with her songs, but her uncle and others at school challenge her faith. Only one boy seems to see the greatness in her. She has to come to grips with either fitting in or following God, which may cost her more than just her faith. This is an entertaining movie for the whole family to enjoy. Faith’s Song is included with Amazon Prime.
7. Freshman Year
While Freshman Year is about an unplanned pregnancy of a college cheerleader and a college basketball player, what resonates with me the most is how the Christian parents of the basketball player handle the situation. No spoilers, you’ll have to watch the film to see their reaction. Freshman Year is available on Netflix.
8. Fat Chance
This romantic comedy not only exposes the bullying that many overweight people endure, but it does it honestly and refreshingly. Beauty is not just skin deep, but realizing that many people think so, an overweight dental assistant who is challenged to find her self worth in Christ, uses her attractive friend’s picture on an online dating website. She falls in love with a young man who doesn’t know the truth. The movie, inspired by a true story, is included in Amazon Prime.
9. Undeserved
Dawn is ready to finish high school when her neglectful, party-loving mother is tragically killed, forcing Dawn to go to live with her Aunt Jamie who co-pastors a church with her husband, Willem. All isn’t as it seems in her Aunt’s household, so Dawn runs away. When Dawn's Aunt Jamie realizes her home was not the safe haven she thought it was, she embarks on a courageous search for Dawn. Undeserved tackles some tough issues and might not be suitable for pre-teens. The film is included with Amazon Prime.
10. Sidewalk Singer
Kris Kivi is a 59 year-old street musician who has lost his family in an auto accident and his pension in the recession. He sings his Christian songs on the sidewalks of Tecumseh, Michigan, using his accumulated donations to pay his rent and feed his Ragdoll cat. After meeting a veterinarian who is coping with the loss of her husband and a young, visionary pastor who is attempting to grow a small church, Kris experiences renewed hope until he is beaten and robbed of his savings by a gang, which ruins his chances of performing at church and leads to the abduction of his cat. Faced with these and other obstacles, Kris confronts ungodliness both on the streets and in the church. What transpires is the dynamic story of a man’s fight to rise up from the ashes and restore his life. Sidewalk Singer is included with Amazon Prime.
11. Seven Deadly Words (bonus)
Did I say 10?
A new pastor faces opposition when he bucks tradition. Pastor Evan Bennett wants to change things for the better at Egypt Valley Church which is out of funds and out of touch with the community. Inspired by actual events, Pastor Evans sets out to repair the broken facility and to mend broken relationships. The movie is included in Amazon Prime.
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