Christian Movie Review: "I Can Only Imagine"

The 2018 film "I Can Only Imagine," which tells the gut-wrenching true story behind the well-known Mercy Me song, is a movie that every Christian should watch.

The film follows the life of lead singer Bart Millard, starting with his childhood, where amid a difficult home life with a short-tempered father (played by Dennis Quaid), Bart finds a refuge in listening to music. For those of us who remember Walkmans and cassette tapes, seeing Bart listen to an Amy Grant cassette bring back memories of our own formative years.

While Bart is away on summer camp, his mother moves out of the house to get away from the anger and abuse. He now has to adjust to life without his mother, and years later, as he enters high school, his hopes of becoming a football player -- like his father -- are dashed due to a bone-breaking injury.

Therefore, Bart is forced to find another high school elective and has no choice but to join the choir -- which he initially dislikes and consequently finds himself serving as a sound engineer. However, after the choir director overhears Bart singing, she gives him the lead role in the school play, insisting that he has the talent to play the part.

Bart soon decides to pursue music as a career, but his father, Arthur, is less than supportive. He bluntly tells Bart to find something more stable and practical, as "[d]reams don't pay the bills." Bart pushes forward anyway, being thankful to leave home and get away from his abusive father.

The road ahead is difficult, but Bart tenaciously convinces Scott Brickell, a manager for a number of successful artists like Audio Adrenaline and Switchfoot, to tag along and provide feedback and advice. Brickell is unimpressed by Mercy Me at first, as their music lacks the individuality and heart that would cause them to stand out among the rest. Bart even is met with the hard news from label executives that the group doesn't have what it takes to break into the industry.

However, in the middle of Bart's pursuits, as he returns home after being convicted by Brickell that he is "running" from his past, he finds that his father has begun to seek the Lord. Bart is not enthusiastic about Arthur's apparent transformation, as he struggles to forgive him for the pain he caused throughout his childhood and adolescence.

Bart soon discovers that his father has terminal cancer, which evokes a spirit of compassion. He begins spending time with his father and taking him to church, and the two become close. When Arthur succumbs to the disease, Bart is left with much to process, and he finds himself spilling out a song lyric in mere minutes.

While much of the content of the movie is heavy and is more for mature audiences, the early scenes depicting Bart being the crush of campmate Shannon are sweet. It stirs the heart watching Shannon's loyalty and care for Bart throughout the years, as well as their on-and-off relationship while Bart is struggling silently with his father's behavior.

The film, while emotional to watch, reminds the viewer that there is none beyond the reach of grace. It also depicts the reality that a parent's choices can cause serious pain for a child, well into their adulthood. Yet, reconciliation and forgiveness is possible.

The only reason I rate the movie four out of five stars is my humble belief that the film would have best used the real Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith for their roles instead of impersonating actors -- but that is just me. I would recommend this film to anyone looking for impactful movie that does more than simply entertain. It just might change your life.