“A Box of Faith” is a powerful film! The plot is suspenseful and interesting, the characters real, and this story of faith is excellently directed.
Savanah McMahon is a delight as sixteen-year-old Dior. She simply trusts God no matter what, even when her faith is tested the most. The movie opens with Dior riding with her dad, Tim (Bill Wetherill), and when he makes a stop she looks at two photos of her deceased mother: one as her healthy and with her beautiful hair, and one with her in the hospital and bald from chemo treatments. Mom is now gone and Dior misses her. She and Dad take a trip and stop at a motel. Dior leaves a note for Dad and gives him a scripture in the Bible to read about God’s peace to encourage him. He will need it because the next day at work he is set up by a fellow employee, and the company thinks he tried to steal company property. Not only is he fired, but he is sent to jail because he had a previous record from many years before.
Dior learns a social worker is trying to locate her and she learns her father is in trouble. She flees the motel and winds up in her dad’s storage unit, where she decides to live. She is resourceful and manages to survive. Ms. Ward (Julie Van Lith), the social worker, is vigilant in trying to find her and she and Dior begin sharing notes back and forth, left on Ms. Ward’s car window. Dior senses that Ms. Ward is a caring person because she even leaves cash for Dior in her letters, but Dior keeps telling her that God will take care of her. Dior helps another homeless teen, Emma (Laura Van Lith), who takes advantage of the situation and tries to steal cash from her.
After Ms. Ward visits Dior’s dad in jail, she is convinced of Tim’s innocence. Things soon come to a head, with Dior praying, in the form of a letter to God, and she tells him she has always respected His decisions but she needs her dad set free. Soon a miracle takes place and things work out even better than Dior might have imagined for herself, Dad, and Ms. Ward.
This is a thoroughly interesting plot and themes of faith, helping others, and not giving up are all nicely demonstrated. For anyone who has ever missed someone and been reunited, this is a terrific movie to watch. “A Box of Faith” has earned our “Faith-Friendly Seal” for all ages and five Doves, our highest rating. Spread the word—this is a good movie for the entire family to enjoy!
