Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot

I first learned of the Possum Trot story around 2017 when I heard Bishop Martin speak at a prayer breakfast. I immediately bought his book and read it in almost one sitting. I began following Bishop on social media and knew that he was the "real deal". When my husband and I held a fundraiser to aid in families adopting children, I knew I wanted to invite Bishop and Donna. They graciously drove over to Dallas and I felt like I had made a new friend.

All that to say, sometimes movies are hyped. They're puffed up to make them more entertaining or interesting. Sound of Hope is not that. You will not find a more genuine family than the Martins. And the depiction of their hearts for their community is authentic. The film does not hold back from the heart breaking situations and even shows Bishop and Donna's own weaknesses, frailties and faults with honesty and grace.

This movie is not for the faint of heart. As parents, we sometimes see a PG13 rating and "fudge" a little to allow the 9,10,11 year old to watch. In my opinion, this is not that kind of movie. It deals with very real and traumatic human emotions and actions that most children cannot comprehend. Thirteen is the very minimum age so use discernment. (Again, just my opinion as a parent of now adult children and 6 grandchildren) Bottom line:GO SEE THIS MOVIE! 💯

What an incredibly moving, inspirational, eye opening film! This is not your typical feel good adoption story. This movie is raw, real, and gives you an honest glimpse into the harsh reality of the traumas that children in foster care have experienced and what it takes for families to love them to healing and wholeness. The power of love, community, and hope was a clear message throughout!

The Martin's and the community of Possum Trot are the most loving, caring, and supportive people. Imagine what could happen if every church and community were inspired to be another Bennett Chapel? We can truly turn this whole thing around! Get to the theaters on July 4th!

This is not a feel-good movie of the week. This movie has intense scenes of child abuse and neglect. It also shows realistic trauma for foster and adopted kids.

I went to see this in the theater with my wife and three children (ages 10, 11, and 11). I assumed it got the PG-13 rating for a few minor swears. My kids have seen pg-13 movies before, and with discernment, I've felt fine about it. I did not feel fine watching this with them; I was a little horrified about how serious some of the scenes were. This needs more of a PG-15 rating. This is for mature young adults-not kids.

This movie handles the issues delicately and not graphically, but it looks at the trauma full in the face. It doesn't sensationalize the abuse, but it doesn't shy away from it either.

I probably would have enjoyed it more without my kids, but for their sakes I was ready to walk out a number of times.

Otherwise, the story was good, acting good. It was a fine production.

Parents be ware though. This is not a movie for your whole family.

This is a beautiful story about how trauma can be healed through love. As someone with some experience in foster care, I was inspired and regained my passion for supporting children and families. This is a fantastic story based on actual events, and I loved watching it. To know that one community was able to come together, support each other, and make such a difference in the lives of children in foster care is fantastic. Bring a tissue or two because you will cry, then be prepared to feel overwhelmed with the characters as you watch the fight through some complex challenges, and then, in the end, you'll regain your hope in the power of love. Great film!

I got to see this at an advanced screening. I knew a little about the plot but not everything. I thought it had a high production value from cinematography, quality of acting, and script was well developed. The story is raw. Not overly gratuitous with the violence as in the Sound of Freedom. They hint at the trauma inflicted without showing every detail, but you get the idea, which is why I'd caution parents to watch it themselves first before letting kids under 13 see it, or if your child of any age is sensitive. The pacing of the story was mostly good but they probably could have edited 10-15 minutes out and it would have tightened things up. I encourage people to give this story a chance even though it isn't the most cheerful story, think Sound of Freedom or the original The Color Purple. It is said to be based on a true story. It did make the rounds in the news cycle at the time, however, I won't be surprised to find out later some of the story was altered slightly to enhance drama as we later find out is the case with the majority of movies/tv "based on a true story". The theme is a call to duty for people who are able in some way to rally around kids in the foster care and/or adoption systems. These kids need loving homes where they can heal from the traumas inflicted on them. At the end they show a montage of where some of the people are now which is interesting.