Classics: A Review of Miracles from Heaven By Lauren Ennis

 Can you believe in something that defies explanation? How do you keep faith in a world that seems to test it every day? These are the questions that lie at the heart of 2016's Miracles from Heaven. This drama expertly balances faith and family to relate the true story of Annabel Beam, a terminally ill child who was miraculously cured by a near-death experience. As Easter approaches this tale of healing, hope, and renewal is a cinematic treat for the whole family.

The story begins with in Burleson, Texas in 2007. Ten year old Annabel "Anna" Beam is living an ordinary life on her family's farm with her parents and two sisters. Her life is suddenly turned upside down when she begins experiencing digestive troubles. After years of surgeries, treatments, and constant pain she is finally diagnosed with intestinal pseudo-obstruction, a rare and sometimes fatal digestive disorder. Complications of her illness leave her unable to eat without a feeding tube or engage in many normal activities, as well as suffering from excruciating pain. Her mother, Christy, then embarks upon a quest to find a physician who can treat Anna in a journey that takes the duo across the country to Boston Children's Hospital. After Anna's treatments stop working Christy resolves to take her home to spend what are likely her final days surrounded by family. Upon her return, Anna endures a harrowing near-death experience that alters the course of her life and leaves everyone around her questioning whether maybe miracles might be real after all.

Miracles from Heaven sets itself apart from other faith based films by telling a story that speaks to the devout and non-believers alike. Many films in the genre prioritize  message over story, leaving viewers feeling as though they are attending a sermon rather than immersed in a cinematic experience. As a result, mainstream audiences often find it difficult to engage in these films and leave the theater feeling alienated rather than inspired. By focusing upon the many ways in which the Beam family's faith is tested Miracles from Heaven acknowledges how easy it is to question or lose your faith. The film avoids presenting itself as patronizing or preachy as it invites viewers to reflect upon their own trials and the ways in which their own beliefs have been shaken. While the Beams' story is truly unique, their struggles remain entirely relatable. As a result, viewers from all walks of life will be hard pressed not to become invested in Anna and Christie's story. Through its at once heartbreaking, heartwarming, and ultimately uplifting story Miracles from Heaven takes viewers onto an unforgettable journey that will have the whole family believing in miracles.

Annabel Beam's miraculous true story is vividly brought to life thanks to the work of the film's stellar cast. Queen Latifah lends her signature wit and heartfelt charm to her portrayal of Angela, the Boston waitress who befriends Anna and Christy and offers them a tour of the city. Eugenio Derbez showcases a perfect bedside manner as Anna's gastroenterologist Dr. Nurko. Brighton Sharbino and Courtney Fansler lend realism, depth, and charm to their turns as Anna's sisters, Abbie and Adelynn. Martin Henderson imbues his performance as Anna's father with warmth and humility. Hannah Alligood conveys innocence and resilience with equal skill in her heartbreaking performance as Anna's hospital roommate, Haley. Wayne Pere captures the torment and eventual redemption of Hayley's skeptical father with eerie realism.  Even in the midst of excellent supporting performances, the film belongs to Jennifer Garner and Kylie Rogers as Christy and Anna. Garner personifies the term 'mama bear' in a portrayal that blends maternal warmth, steely resolve, and sacrifice as Christy. Rogers turns in a performance that belies her young years as she captures Anna's journey from carefree child, to terminally ill patient, to survivor with depth, sincerity, and realism.

At once a unique account of one family's experience to the brink and back again and a universal and a tale of faith and family Miracles from Heaven is Easter viewing for the whole family. Through its well written script the film avoids the clichés and pitfalls associated with faith based films and relates one family's trials and triumphs in a way that will engage the devout and non-believers alike. The uniformly superb performances bring the story to life in by turns wrenching and uplifting performances that viewers will be sure to relate to. This Easter have a little faith with Christy and Anna in Miracles from Heaven.