The Hopeful is a religious film that traces the origins of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Source: Australian Catholics.
While the film has its own audience (worldwide there are about 22 million Adventists), Australian director Kyle Portbury hopes that the film will tell a story to a wider audience. Portbury characterises this story as one of failure but one of hope and belief.
For Christians, watching the film and discussing it, can be an exercise in ecumenism – a catalyst to discuss faith, discuss beliefs and interpretations of the Bible.
This is a straightforward telling of the story, enthusiastically made by the writers and the director and an earnest cast, so it perhaps can be easily dismissed by secular audiences who see no relevance in it.
However, considering the ranges of churches and their large numbers of members, it has its historical relevance.
The framework of the film is an Adventist missionary on a paddle steamer, recounting the story of the movement to his two children. As he tells the story, the narrative goes into flashbacks, beginning with a focus on William Miller.
The religious Miller, who was wounded in the war of 1812, is now a gentleman farmer of the New England region of the US.
He studies the Scriptures from a literal standpoint. Working from numbers in various books, including the book of Daniel, he decides that the second coming of Christ was to be in 1844.
He preaches vigorously, finds some followers but also doubters. When the physical second coming of Christ does not eventuate, he retires.
However, some of his supporters continue his mission, most especially 16-year-old Ellen Harmon. She develops into something of a visionary herself over the decades.
The film is a morale boost for Adventist audiences and an opportunity for other Christians to learn something about this church.
Review by Fr Peter Malone MSC, Jesuit Media
The Hopeful: Starring Tommie-Amber Pirie, Gregory Wilson, Maddy Martin, Bill Lake, Michael Mancini. Directed by Australian Kyle Portbury. 90 minutes. Rated PG (Mild Themes).
FULL REVIEW
The Hopeful (Jesuit Media via Australian Catholics)
