Sunrise in Heaven

Heartwarming, bittersweet tale of lifelong couple injured in a car accident, faced with the difficult prospect of ending their union when the husband fails to recover from his injuries. Burroughs plays the modern day wife reflecting on her marriage through flashbacks, recalling her over-bearing military father (Bernsen), a future father in law from hell as the young couple attempt to navigate his cruel overprotectiveness.

Bernsen's treatment of the younger husband is manifestly sadistic at times, equivalent to some form of extreme hazing that not even his much-loved wife (Wallace) can ameliorate.

Technically the film is fine if a bit slow at times, although there's a few moments of minor concern e.g. The heart-rate monitor of the apparently dying man was clearly visible at 80 bpm and then there's the scene where Cowan's character is speaking with Pastor Robert (Morris), fighting back tears whilst trying to make sense of her predicament, when a very visible candlestick emerges from her right nostril and begins its journey south toward her quivering lip. I was disappointed the pastor didn't offer her a handkerchief at this point, instead she sort of attempted to wipe it away but instead appeared to consume it. I guess there's no second takes when you're making an independent movie.

Unremarkable except perhaps for Bernsen's wicked turn (he's become something of the dab hand at these gruff father figures on the Lifetime channel), and then of course the aforementioned mucosal moment which is immortal. If you've ever endured the end of life situation depicted in this film, then some of the scenes and dialogue may be uncomfortable, but overall the story is delivered with tact and reverence and it's a sincere effort.