The Hopeful

The Seventh Day Adventist’s have been a recognised denomination since 1863 and now record 21 million members worldwide. Yet, many may not realise this church's origins, which recognises the sabbath on Saturdays and holds to a multitude of doctrines that differentiate themselves from other churches in the Christian faith. Director Kyle Portbury works to communicate the birth of this belief system and how it spread across the United States and eventually around the world.

After enduring the brutalities of the War of 1812, William Miller (Bill Lake) miraculously survived and returned to his home. As he resumed his farming, the former soldier found himself contemplating the words of the Bible, particularly the numerical elements of the book of Daniel. This led him to write and speak about his prediction of the return of Jesus Christ. His message resonated across the young nation, and many began to follow his prophetic message, including a young woman named Ellen Harmon (Tommie-Amber Pirie). Despite Miller’s predictions being incorrect and the day he predicted being labelled by many of the Seventh Day Adventist faith, the Great Disappointment, the followers and belief in the message continued. Especially Ellen, who not only embraced the words of Miller and his followers but also began sharing spiritual visions that she wanted to share to this new group of believers. After marrying James White (Stephen MacDonald), the couple embarked on a tour across the United States to spread the specific doctrines of this fledgling church that was tied to the Bible with extra-biblical inspirations.

The Hopeful offers audiences a concise and accurate historical account of the advent of the Seventh-Day Adventist Movement. This film provides a comprehensive introduction for those who desire to become more familiar with the message and differences of doctrine from other Christian denominations. The historical journey depicted in the film remains true to those who embrace the influence of the prophetic experiences of Ellen G. White. As she traversed the United States, she eventually was credited as one of the most influential individuals in American history. This film provides a detailed account of the key aspects of this belief system that will fascinate audiences, even those who do not embrace the practices of this denomination,

Kyle Portbury’s production leans into a storytelling method that will be familiar to those who love faith-based films. Throughout the screenplay, viewers will see the harsh realities of this fledgling faith as the initial leaders experience persecution and sacrifice. Yet, the content is managed in a package accessible for families wanting to enjoy a historical account together. This is similar to many of the qualities experienced on television programs that use historically accurate costuming and sets while keeping things sanitised for the visual appeal of their audience.

The Hopeful is the perfect choice for those who love engaging with an influential faith's past and beginnings. A story that is packaged in an aesthetic will appeal to those who embrace this genre and want to enjoy it together with their family.

REEL DIALOGUE: How do people find truth in this world?

The Hopeful will open the door to conversation about how people can find the truth about God. This story shows that people have been asking the same questions throughout history. So, how can one know the truth about our world?

The search for the answer to this question must be outside the human experience, besides relying on mere intuition and personal conjecture. Some may look for answers in science, personal prophecies, philosophy, and religion, but how can people know where to find the answers to ethical and moral queries?

Through this journey of exploration, the Bible emerges as the most reliable source to consider. The wisdom found in the words of this book may not provide specific answers to every situation, but it offers a framework to discern the right decision, and it even provides solutions to life’s more significant considerations. In this investigation, the best places to start are in some of the books of wisdom in the Old Testament (Psalms and Proverbs) or the book of Romans in the New Testament. You can discover the truth, and the Bible is the best place to commence your search.

Reach out to us at Third Space to discuss this and other topics from The Hopeful in more detail.