The Blessing is a thought-provoking film that explores the themes of love, faith, and redemption. The movie revolves around Trip Langley's character, Ben Fieldings, who has lost his faith after a personal tragedy. Ben, who used to be a minister, becomes a professor at a university, teaching comparative religion. The story takes a dramatic turn when Ben meets an enigmatic student, named Mara (played by Natalie Britton), who challenges his beliefs and reignites his faith.
Mara is a free-spirited young woman who questions everything and finds beauty in life's simplest things. She is a talented artist and a deep-thinker, who senses that Ben is struggling with an inner-turmoil. Mara's curiosity and intelligence spark a friendship between her and Ben, and over time, they explore their beliefs and share their ideologies about life, death, and the universe.
As Ben starts to get to know Mara, he learns that she has faced her share of pain and loss. She has an estranged relationship with her father, who is a successful businessman and cannot understand her artistic dreams. Mara also has a mysterious illness, which she keeps secret from everyone except Ben. Their bond grows stronger as they confide in each other and help each other navigate their struggles.
Meanwhile, Ben's wife, Sarah, (played by Mindee de Lacey), who is still devoted to Christianity, tries to rekindle Ben's faith. She believes that Ben's crisis of faith is a temporary setback and that he will eventually find his way back to God. However, Ben is torn between his love for Sarah, his friendship with Mara, and his faith crisis.
As the story unfolds, several subplots weave together, revealing the complex and interrelatedness of life. The Blessing touches on themes of forgiveness, grace, and the power of healing. The movie doesn't shy away from difficult questions about faith and religion, but it does so with sensitivity and nuance.
The cast of The Blessing is outstanding. Trip Langley delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as a man grappling with his faith crisis. Natalie Britton brings Mara to life with a beautiful combination of vulnerability, passion, and strength. Louis Dezseran, who plays Mara's father, brings complexity and heart to his role.
The Blessing's cinematography is beautiful, with stunning views of the Pacific Northwest and artistic shots of Mara's paintings. The movie's score is also noteworthy, with hauntingly beautiful music that enhances the emotional impact of the story.
In conclusion, The Blessing is a movie that will make you think, feel, and reflect on life's big questions. It's a portrait of human relationships, faith, and the power of love to heal wounds. It's a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
The Blessing is a 2012 comedy with a runtime of 21 minutes.
