Christian Movie Review: 'A Paralyzing Redemption'

"A Paralyzing Redemption" tells the inspirational true story of Brian Ziegler, an Ohio high school and college basketball star who became paralyzed after an accident left him with a broken neck. Ziegler, now a pastor and church planter, gave his life to Christ when his world hit rock bottom, and this movie tells the story of his journey and miraculous recovery.

The film candidly depicts Ziegler's struggles as a youth, that although being raised in a Christian home, he had an inclination for the "party" lifestyle, which affected his grades and eventually landed him in front of a judge for underage drinking.

"That one or two beers turned into six beers, then it turned into twelve beers, then it turned into hard alcohol, then it turned into drugs, and it just became this never-ending spiral of going downhill," he explained to the 700 Club.

In May 2000, as he was riding home with friends on a rainy night after consuming alcohol, the Jeep hydroplaned and Ziegler (played by Deaton Gabbard) was ejected from the vehicle. Doctors didn't think he would survive, and even if so, he would have to adjust to life as a quadriplegic.

"At that moment, every dream, every ambition, every goal that I had for my life just went out the window," he recalled, as the accident spelled the end of his basketball career.

The film shows Ziegler tearfully praying to God in the hospital, asking for "one small miracle." I personally resonated with the scenes that followed, where the hope in the room is almost palpable as it is realized that Ziegler still has nerve function. My mother suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke in 2023 and had no movement on the left side. I know how excited I was seeing my mom being able to wiggle her toes when prompted, just like Ziegler.

Even though God began restoring Ziegler's mobility bit by bit, day by day, therapy session after therapy session, he still did not surrender to Him and found himself hitting the bottle once again. But when he reached his lowest, Ziegler found himself in the church parking lot, venting to his girlfriend -- a worship leader -- that he wanted to make a change.

"I see you searching for happiness. It's just in all the wrong places," she tells him. "Have you tried church? ... If you're searching for truth, that is the best place to find it."

Ziegler consequently begins attending church and is discipled one-on-one by the pastor.

My favorite scene in the movie is where Ziegler shares his testimony before the church, explaining that like the man in the Bible, he too was paralyzed -- and "not just physically but spiritually." It is also inspiring when Gabbard suddenly morphs into the real Brian Ziegler passionately preaching to the congregation.

As amazing as his testimony is, and despite his continued physical challenges, Ziegler has since traveled to Peru, where he climbed Machu Picchu. According to his bio, he has also hiked part of the Appalachian Trail in America and returned to his high school to serve as a basketball coach.

"I went from my old lifestyle where I had a love affair with myself to this new lifestyle where my love affair was all about Jesus," he told the 700 Club. "I couldn't get enough of Him. I continued to soak up His word, be around people who loved Him, [and] be around people who cared about me and had my best interests at heart."

The only reason I give this movie four out of five stars is because it could give the impression that it is okay for Christian women to date unbelievers as their influence could win them into the church. While that could perhaps happen, the Bible is clear about being unequally yoked.

Nonetheless, film is well-done and certainly inspiring for all who watch it. It is not for the faint of heart as it does depict drunken scenes and a bloodied Ziegler at the accident site, but such is real life, and such is the testimony of Ziegler. While I am not familiar with actor Deaton Gabbard, I did recognize Dean Cain ("God's Not Dead"), who plays Ziegler's coach, and Gabrielle McAndrew ("Love Finds You in Sugarcreek"), who plays girlfriend Suzie.

All in all, it's worth the watch.