The Hopeful

THE HOPEFUL is the true story of a community whose lives were transformed as they learn what it means to truly wait for Jesus. In Theaters April 17-18, 2024.

Aboard a steamship sailing across the Atlantic Ocean in 1874, John Andrews shares a tale of courage, hope, war, and true love that begins with the end of the world with his children.

 
SYNOPSIS: William Miller’s faith is in ruins. After miraculously surviving a fierce battle in the War of 1812, Miller questions why God spared him. His search for wisdom leads to an astonishing prophesy — the world is going to end. "The Hopeful" unfolds as a story of a man burdened with the knowledge of Christ’s return. Miller’s message resonates with some—even as it is scorned by others.

When a young woman named Ellen Harmon listens to one of his sermons she is transformed. And through her witness the message begins to take flight. The preaching grows beyond prophecy and develops into a more holistic vision for how Christians should live and worship. We see the seeds of a new global movement of faith —the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This sweeping drama, set in 19th century New England, invites audiences of all ages to imagine how hope can change the world.

Buy Tickets for this Fathom Event of THE HOPEFUL.

MY REVIEW: THE HOPEFUL is a well-made period piece set in the 1800s about the beginning of the SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS CHURCH. The film begins as widowed John Andrews is sharing the story with his 2 children as they are sailing across the Atlantic to become missionaries. William Miller, who predicted Christ would return in 1843-1844. Despite disappointment that it didn't happen, a small group begin to embrace other tenets of his faith and grew in their hope and their faith.

There are several strong women included in this movie, but Ellen G. (Harmon) White is the most prominent and well-known. Her faith, visions, and firm beliefs in living a healthy lifestyle had a major impact on the growth of the Seventh Day Adventists denomination and beyond.

This is a fascinating look at how a firm conviction of one man spread, despite having to make changes in setting definite dates for the return of Christ, to a community of millions around the world. (I don't have to be in full agreement to enjoy watching a film.) The film looked great but I did get a bit confused when I first watched; that was remedied when I looked up a few facts to better understand who some of the people are. The music didn't seem to fit in as well with that time in history, BUT...it is really good. Overall, I think it's a very good movie and one worth watching.

Click on link to GET YOUR TICKETS FOR APRIL 17th or 18th.

 

Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card. This is limited to US winners only.
Please submit your full name and email address by 4/26 to Enter.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Hope Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

LINKS: 

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Jean’s interview w/ Kyle (director of The Hopeful)
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