Redeeming Love hits theaters January 21st. The movie is a powerful and timeless love story that takes place against the backdrop of the California Gold Rush of 1850. I was given the opportunity to screen it early and cannot wait to share this spoiler-free review with you. First, let’s learn a little about the movie!
If you’ve read the book Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, you’ll see that this movie is based on that book. This is a book that I highly recommend if you’ve not read it. I love reading and only wish I had more time to do that. I did read Redeeming Love, though, because it captivated me and really made me make the time to read.
About Redeeming Love
Nthibah Pictures, Mission Pictures and Pinnacle Peak Pictures announce the release of the highly-anticipated film REDEEMING LOVE, distributed by Universal Pictures in the U.S. and Canadian theaters for January 21, 2022.
The story centers on Angel (Cowen), who was sold into prostitution as a child. She has survived through hatred and self-loathing, until she meets Michael Hosea (Lewis) and discovers there is no brokenness that love can’t heal. The story reflects the redemptive power of unconditional and sacrificial love with characters and circumstances relevant to the contemporary world.
Directed by D.J. Caruso (xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE), it stars Abigail Cowen (“Fate: The Winx Saga,” “Sabrina”), Tom Lewis (GENTLEMAN JACK), Logan Marshall Green (UPGRADE, SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING, PROMETHEUS), Famke Janssen (X-MEN, TAKEN), Nina Dobrev (xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE, VAMPIRE DIARIES) and Eric Dane (“Euphoria,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” THE LAST SHIP, X-MEN). REDEEMING LOVE’S official trailer and key art are released as the anticipation increases amongst millions of fans.
Based on Novel by Francine Rivers
The film is based on the novel Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, which has remained on multiple fiction bestseller lists for over 15 years and has been published in more than 30 languages. Francine Rivers, the New York Times bestselling author of over 30 books, worked with director D.J. Caruso for the screenplay to ensure the beloved story stayed true to its roots.
More about the Cast + Their Thoughts about Redeeming Love
In the lead role of “Angel” is the multi-talented actress Abigail Cowen, one of Hollywood’s rising stars, who headlines the popular Netflix original series “Fate: The Winx Saga.” Cowen was immediately drawn to Angel’s character after reading the script. “Angel is an incredibly complex character who, after suffering a lifetime of abuse, empowered by love, claws her way out of a world of human trafficking and into a place of triumph. It is a very inspiring and timeless story.”
“The story is still as relevant today as it was 30 years ago,” said “Euphoria” star Eric Dane. “It is a story that portrays the battle of light versus dark with unlikely redemption waiting for you at the end.”
Director D.J. Caruso’s work encompasses a variety of film genres including thriller (DISTURBIA), drama (STANDING UP), and action (I AM NUMBER FOUR) as well as episodic television such as “The Shield,” “Over There,” “Smallville,” and “Dark Angel”. His action thriller xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE starring Vin Diesel grossed $347 million globally.
“I fell in love with the characters in this story after my wife introduced me to the novel,” said director D.J. Caruso. “It presented me with a rich tapestry of complex characters and outstanding visual opportunities, all wrapped in an epic love story that transcends generations.”
REDEEMING LOVE was produced by Cindy Bond through her Mission Pictures International label; Simon Swart and Wayne Fitzjohn, through their Nthibah Pictures production banner; and Michael Scott, and Brittany Yost for Pinnacle Peak Pictures and Vlokkie Gordon of Advantage Entertainment.. Francine Rivers serves as an executive producer and screenplay writer, alongside director D.J. Caruso.
My Thoughts about Redeeming Love
This movie is simply captivating. That’s the best word I can find to describe this film. The cast is simply phenomenal and the story from the novel is told so beautifully. The novel drew me in and I will be honest that I was nervous about a movie based on a novel. Redeeming Love took the details that Francine Rivers crafted so beautifully and told the story with detail and care.
When a novel like Redeeming Love which is so well known is taken and made into a movie, it is a challenging feat. However, the entire cast took the novel to a next step in telling the beautiful love story that we all desire to hear. This epic love story is told with great tact in the movie.
I’d recommend this for older teenagers and adults only, though, as it is a heavy story that younger minds are just not ready for. As a grown woman, I found the movie to be perfect for me. However, it was one I enjoyed on my own and recommend that for your family as well. While it is rated PG-13, I’d say the older teenagers would be fine. You’re the parent, though, and you can see by the movie trailers above and the details in the novel if it is suited for your kids or not.
Follow the movie on Twitter and Instagram at @RedeemingLoveMovie and on Facebook at @RedeemingLoveFilm or visit www.RedeemingLoveMovie.com.