The Furnace

While Jamie Bernadette (I Spit on Your Grave - Deja Vu) is usually known as a queen of the horror film scene, in this film, she puts her ability to convey intense personal suffering into her unforgettable character, Mary.

Mary's tribulations bring her to rock bottom and Jamie takes us there with her, each agonizing step, through loss, injury, despair and then finally, hope turned to triumph.

If you are a person who sneers at religion, this story's not for you - Mary's rise out of the ashes is enabled in no small part by her discovery of a faith that renews her and by finding a wise confidant who trains and inspires her to climb out of the darkness she's in, to find a new purpose and triumph against all odds.

"Inspirational" aptly fits this film. It's not necessarily easy to watch at times, Mary's suffering is so terribly real thanks to Bernadette's passionate portrayal.

But in the end, it's deeply satisfying and well worth the time to make the journey vicariously with Mary as she redeems herself, body and spirit.