There was a time when the faith-based films (Or "Christian" films) weren't considered top-quality productions. In the past few years however, that has changed. Recent films like Courageous, War Room, God's Not Dead and Heaven is for Real have shown that movies focusing on strong characters and simple stories, without trying to outdo Hollywood blockbusters on independent budgets, will do well with modern audiences looking for "alternatives" to what Tinseltown has to offer.
One of the up and coming filmmakers working on strong, character-driven films with a faith-based message is Brigham McNeely. In 2016, he produced his first movie, a short film called Conviction, which was received well upon its release. From the strength of that short, he has now moved on to his first feature-length film (Note: Any film over 45 minutes in length is considered a feature-length), entitled Sacred.
Sacred tells the story of Barrett Lennox, an aspiring boxer who's living a troubled life. He and his wife Danielle (Kristen Danielle) live in a small apartment, while he struggles to become a professional, under the tutelage of his Father-in-Law, Edward Jones (Danny M. Gray). As he tries to prove himself in the ring, the events of his past, and family pushing him to get a "real job," leave Barrett with an intense anger that he cannot get rid of. As his struggles continue, he finally comes to the realization that he cannot fight this anger himself, and must decide whether to put his life in the hands of a higher power, and free himself of his darker thoughts and instincts.
From the very beginning, Sacred proves to be a different film from most faith-based cinema. As he did with his film Conviction, writer and director Brigham McNeely doesn't shy away from darker, real-world events. These characters, even those with faith in God, are living in a realistic situation that tests their faith and conviction. But through the darkness and tragedy, a light shines to remind the world of something greater, just beyond the veil. Sacred does fantastic work of making the world a believable one, where light and dark are at war, even within one's own soul.
The cast in this film does commendable work. Brigham McNeely delivers a powerful performance as Barrett, the film's central character. He does great work of portraying a man in conflict with his own anger, as well as those events that test him, only to finally realize that he cannot do it alone. The scenes where he is saved are powerfully-done, and the transformation from the old man to the new is portrayed realistically, and powerfully. Throughout the entire film, Brigham McNeely gives the role his all, making it easy to connect with his character, and the struggles he faces.
As his wife Danielle, Kristen Danielle delivers a strong performance. She brings a warmth, as well as strength, to her role as the wife who will stand by her husband through all of his struggles. And as Barrett's Father-in-Law, trainer and mentor, Danny Gray delivers a powerful performance as Edward Jones, a man who's no-nonsense, but also has a heart for the young man married to his wife, and struggling to make a name for himself in the ring. Mr. Gray also delivers one of the film's most powerful moments, when he discusses his beliefs with Barrett in a restaurant, and how relying on God's love will transform a man into what he is meant to be. Mr. Gray's performance in this scene is very powerful, and deserves some recognition in the acting community. The rest of the cast deliver solid, commendable performances.
Brigham McNeely's script is well-rounded, and fast-paced. The production values are very strong for this low-budget piece, which was shot beautifully by Darin Holiday of Electric Films. The editing, sound design and music all come together to help elevate the film's powerful story and message. In closing, Sacred is a powerful film about the power of faith to change a man's life, and how even in the darkest of times, that the light can still be seen. I highly recommend this film to anybody who enjoy serious drama, and great stories.
Grade: 9/10 (A-)
