NEW YORK (OSV News) – In the mid-1990s, the parishioners of an East Texas Baptist church achieved something remarkable: By adopting 77 children, they managed temporarily to empty the area’s foster care system. Their story is recounted in the affecting drama “Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot” (Angel).
Bereaved by the death of her mother, Donna Martin (Nika King) the wife of the community’s leader, the Rev. W.C. Martin (Demetrius Grosse), is prayerfully searching for solace when she’s inspired to adopt a child. Given that the couple already have two kids (Kaysi J. Bradley and Taj Johnson), one of whom suffered brain damage at birth, W.C. initially resists the idea.
Once he’s won over, however, the minister becomes a true believer and spearheads a drive to have as many families as possible take in vulnerable young ones. In partnership with local social worker Susan Ramsay (Elizabeth Mitchell), the Martins and their congregants endeavor to provide their new charges with loving and permanent homes.
By focusing on the difficulties faced by Terri (Diaana Babnicova), an emotionally troubled teen the Martins adopt, director and co-writer Joshua Weigel — who penned the script with his wife, Rebekah — presents a realistic depiction of the challenges involved in following through on such a generous impulse. His movie thus steers clear of pat answers or sentimentality.
Despite some necessarily grim elements, “Sound of Hope” is a warm-hearted, faith-filled and ultimately uplifting tale. Based on its potential to inspire, moreover, it makes a suitable experience for older teens as well as grown-ups.
The film contains domestic violence, discussion and images of child physical abuse, references to the sexual abuse of minors, a scene of marital sensuality and a couple of crass terms. The OSV News classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
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