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9 Edifying Films to Watch This Fall
Fall 2024 will be a stressful season for many in the U.S., as we’re inundated with contentious election-season media at every turn. There’ll no doubt be the usual flood of morally bankrupt, agenda-driven, sexually explicit movies released as well. It’s “prestige” movie season, after all. And grievously, “prestige” for Hollywood often means boundary-pushing provocation.
In this season, many Christian families will be hungry for something different: movies that uplift and edify us rather than make us feel gross, movies that celebrate virtue rather than vice, movies that give audiences reason to hope rather than despair.
For discerning viewers looking for media like this, I’ve got nine films for your consideration. Not all the movies on this list are appropriate for all ages, so do some content research online before watching with your kids. But if you’re looking for refreshing counterprogramming amid the amoral muck, these are all solid options.
Apollo 13: Survival
It’s been nearly 30 years since Ron Howard and Tom Hanks wowed audiences with the nail-biting, true-story drama Apollo 13. Now, a new Netflix documentary retells the harrowing story of the 1970 mission that almost resulted in tragedy. Directed by Peter Middleton, the documentary skillfully employs archival footage and interviews to essentially reenact each step of the NASA mission. While it may lack the emotional texture of Howard’s film, it still offers audiences a gripping and inspiring story involving bravery, scientific ingenuity, and heroic collaboration toward a shared goal. Not rated. Watch on Netflix.
Bonhoeffer
Written and directed by Wheaton College graduate Todd Komarnicki (Elf), Bonhoeffer is an inspirational biopic about Cost of Discipleship author Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The film focuses on Bonhoeffer’s courageous stand against Hitler and the Nazi infiltration of the German church. Though not a perfect film—the pacing and narrative structure didn’t quite work for me—Bonhoeffer features a solid central performance from German actors Jonas Dassler as Bonhoeffer and August Diehl as Martin Niemöller (a German pastor-theologian ally of Bonhoeffer). Released by Angel Studios, the film is also a timely conversation starter about the relationship between faith and politics. Rated PG-13. In theaters November 22.
Daughters
Recently released on Netflix, this documentary follows four girls as they prepare for a special daddy-daughter dance with their incarcerated fathers, as part of a “Date with Dad” program in a jail in Washington, DC. The film poignantly captures the effects of an incarcerated father’s absence on the children he leaves behind. It’s heartbreaking to watch the girls wrestle with the disappointment and betrayal they feel, even as they express love and admiration for the fathers they rarely see. One leaves the film with a reinforced appreciation for—and commitment to—the gift of intact families with fully present moms and dads. Rated PG-13. Watch on Netflix.
Exhibiting Forgiveness
While somber and at times hard to watch (rated R for language), this biographical film—written and directed by renowned contemporary painter Titus Kaphar—is a thoughtful reflection on the challenge of forgiveness and the complexities of familial reconciliation.
The film’s title has multiple meanings, as the central character Tarrell (a version of Kaphar, played by André Holland) is a successful painter who sees forgiveness on display in others (most notably his churchgoing mom, played by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor) but struggles to exhibit it in his own life, even as his newly rehabilitated estranged father asks for it. The plot also culminates in a gallery art show of Tarrell’s work, titled “Exhibiting Forgiveness,” and the film asks provocative questions about the strange cultural dynamic of personal trauma becoming a chic collector’s item. Rated R for language. In theaters October 18.
Federer: Twelve Final Days
This new documentary chronicles the final, emotional days of the career of Roger Federer, the pro tennis GOAT. It’s refreshing to watch how Federer interacts with his rival players (like Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, and Novak Djokovic), how he honored them and they honored him as he exited the game. At the highest levels of global competition, these legends are nothing but affectionate and deeply respectful of one another. For Nadal and Federer especially, they recognize the rare gift it was to have had one another as fierce challengers on the court but dear friends off. It’s beautiful to behold and a standard to which we should all aspire in this cutthroat world. Rated R for language. Watch on Prime Video.
Join or Die
This documentary (read my full review) is a delightful, informative, and inspiring summary of Robert Putnam’s argument in his 24-year-old classic, Bowling Alone. It makes a compelling case for the importance of clubs, churches, and other embodied social communities and “mediating institutions,” all of which increase the social capital necessary for a democracy to flourish. Christians should watch this and reflect especially on the role churches play in the formation not only of individual lives but of larger societies. Not rated. Now in theaters.
My Penguin Friend
“Cute animal companion movies” has become a genre unto its own, often in a formulaic and cheesy way. But this one surprised me. Part nature film, part family drama, the film follows the true story of a Brazilian fisherman whose unlikely encounter with a penguin helps him find healing and hope after a devastating loss. It’s an inspiring story for sure, but it also takes grief and suffering seriously. If you’re looking for a heartwarming, family-friendly, but well-made film to watch this fall, My Penguin Friend is a solid option. Rated PG. Now in theaters.
Reagan
Dennis Quaid is well cast in this affectionate biopic of the 40th U.S. president. Those nostalgic for Reagan-era conservatism (or just presidents we can respect) will find much to like here, even as the film’s telling of history is obviously one-sided and occasionally hagiographic in its portrayal of The Gipper. Directed by Sean McNamara, Reagan captures a bygone era of dignity, class, and conviction in political leadership that feels refreshing (plus Scott Stapp makes a cameo!). In an election season as ugly as we’ve ever seen, a movie like Reagan reminds us of a time when presidents were driven by clear ideals and the office commanded respect around the world. Rated PG-13. Now in theaters.
The Wild Robot
Based on Peter Brown’s best selling middle grade novel, The Wild Robot is a top-notch Dreamworks animated film sure to please both kids and parents alike. The film features stunning artistry (at times evoking the great heights of Wall-E) and refreshingly classic storytelling. The future-set drama follows a robot, Roz (Lupita Nyong’o) who gets stranded on an island occupied only by animals. Initially feared by the island’s creatures, Roz ends up becoming a friend to the animals and a mother to one particular orphaned goose. The movie raises interesting questions about the coexistence of technology and nature (or how “artificial” intelligence differs from “natural” organic life). It’s certainly a film that reflects our cultural questions in the age of AI. Kids will find a lot to like here: laughs, tears, cute animals, awesome visuals. Moms and dads will appreciate (maybe with misty eyes) the film’s tender reflections on the sacrificial love of parenthood. Rated PG. In theaters Sept. 27.
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