The 2019 film Breakthrough, directed by Roxann Dawson and based on a true story, is a deeply moving exploration of faith, prayer, and the power of miracles. The film follows the story of John Smith, a 14-year-old boy who falls through an icy lake and is submerged for nearly 15 minutes. When he is pulled out, doctors declare him without a pulse for over an hour. However, after his mother, Joyce, prays for his revival, his heart starts beating again, defying all medical expectations. What follows is an emotional journey of faith, community, and the enduring belief in the impossible.
At its core, Breakthrough is a story about the power of faith in the face of despair. Joyce, played by Chrissy Metz, embodies the strength and conviction of a mother who refuses to accept what seems inevitable. Her unwavering belief that God can perform a miracle is a testament to the idea that faith is not just about accepting life’s challenges, but about trusting in a higher power even when all hope appears lost. This concept is central to many spiritual traditions, where prayer is seen as not just a request for divine intervention, but a means of deepening one’s connection to the divine and reinforcing inner strength.
The film also highlights the role of community in spiritual healing. As John lies in the hospital, his family, friends, and the church congregation come together to support him through collective prayer. This unity reflects the spiritual belief that faith is not an isolated journey but one strengthened by shared belief and love. Many religious traditions emphasize the power of communal prayer and the idea that spiritual energy is amplified when people come together with a common purpose. The film illustrates this beautifully, showing how the collective faith of an entire community can create an atmosphere of hope and healing.
Another major spiritual theme in Breakthrough is the idea that miracles can challenge human understanding. John’s survival defies all medical logic, leading doctors and skeptics to question how such an event could occur. This mirrors the larger spiritual debate about the nature of miracles—whether they are divine interventions or simply unexplained phenomena. The film does not attempt to provide a definitive answer but instead invites the audience to reflect on the possibility that there are forces beyond human comprehension at work in the universe.
John’s own journey of faith is another key aspect of the film. While Joyce’s faith is steadfast, John initially struggles to understand why he was saved and what it means for his life. This mirrors the spiritual journey of many people who, after experiencing profound or traumatic events, search for deeper meaning. His survival becomes more than just a second chance at life; it becomes a testament to the idea that every moment is a gift and that faith can lead to transformation.
Ultimately, Breakthrough is not just a story about survival—it is a story about faith, love, and the belief that miracles, whether big or small, are all around us. It encourages viewers to reflect on their own spirituality, the power of prayer, and the importance of hope, even in life’s most difficult moments.
