Breakthrough is more than a movie about a miracle

I went to see Breakthrough preparing for a movie about a miracle, which is exactly what it is. Fourteen-year-old John Smith falls through the ice and is underwater for fifteen minutes before CPR was started. Miraculously, he not only survives the traumatic event, he does so without any cognitive defects. Even leaving it at that, it's a great movie, but there's so much more to it.

There is, of course, a strong faith element present in the movie, but along with that comes a story of acceptance, of community, and unity.

Acceptance—Joyce Smith (portrayed by Chrissy Metz) doesn't like the new pastor who is portrayed by Topher Grace. She struggles to accept the changes in their church after his arrival and struggles to accept him as the head of the church.  It's only when Joyce's son, John, is injured that she comes to realize how deeply the pastor truly cares about people, including those who don't like him. 

Community—From the business owner who called 911 to the healthcare professionals at both hospitals, it's clear that had one person, one cog in the wheel, so to speak, been missing, John Smith might not have recovered.  The lines of communication were open and strong, and this town meant business. They worked together flawlessly to save a young boy's life

Unity—The entire town comes together to not only pray for John's recovery but to take care of the Smith family as they spend their time at John's bedside. 

Breakthrough is about so much more than a miracle. It's a snapshot of a town filled with dedicated, caring people, those who go out of their way for others. In reality, the movie is a wishlist for the world.